PNM opens nominations for THA elections

PNM Tobago Council chairman Stanford Callender, left, and PRO Kwesi DesVignes address members of the media virtually on Monday. - PNM Tobago Council
PNM Tobago Council chairman Stanford Callender, left, and PRO Kwesi DesVignes address members of the media virtually on Monday. - PNM Tobago Council

The People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council has opened its nominations for the THA elections, constitutionally due in 2021. The nomination process began on Monday and will continue until October 12, according to party chairman Stanford Callender.

Addressing members of the media virtually on Monday at a PNM news conference, Callender said last Thursday, the council held a virtual meeting to discuss the upcoming elections. He said a decision was taken to begin nominations for the selection of prospective candidates.

Callender said: “That period begins today (September 21) and will end on October 12 at 4pm. The dates of the screening of the candidates would be announced in due course.”

He said party groups were expected to inform their various constituency secretaries and the council secretary of the names of their party group members as all 12 seats are up for grabs.

“This process is a process where the party groups have a responsibility to make nominations, the process has been a simple one over the years where someone who is desirous of offering themselves as a prospective candidate must first send that consent to the party group within that electoral district that they intend to contest.

“We also advised at that meeting that no new party groups are to be formed within this period September 21 to August 12 and also we have to put a pause on the application of membership during this period also,” he said adding that the Council has appointed a five-member committee to manage the nomination process.

Addressing the issue of campaigning amid the covid19 pandemic, Callender said the party looks forward to co-operation by its membership given the circumstances. He said party groups must find creative ways while observing the guidelines set out by the committee,which was established to ensure a smooth nomination process.

“What we expect is that during the first week of the exercise, all the basic information as it relates to party groups, membership and other systems will be put in place,” Callender said.

This will be the PNM Tobago Council's second election under political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine who is expected to contest one of the districts. Davidson-Celestine was appointed a THA Councillor earlier this year after defeating Kelvin Charles in the PNM internal election in January.

The PNM currently holds ten of the 12 electoral districts with the Progressive Democratic Patriots occupying the other two.

The PDP has already begun its nomination process and will challenge all 12 districts.

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