[UPDATED] UNC MP: New boundaries give PNM edge in THA election

UNC MP for Barataria/San Juan Saddam Hosein believes the PNM has an unfair advantage after the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) created three new electoral districts in Tobago.

The EBC was given a mandate to create 15 electoral districts upon the proclamation of the THA (Amendment) Act in July.

The act sought to solve the deadlock in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) owing to the six-six tie between the People's National Movement (PNM) and Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) in the January 25 THA elections.

But during the UNC's weekly press conference on Sunday, Hosein was critical of the changes.

“The Prime Minister will come on Wednesday to defend these boundary changes,” he said. “The Prime Minister will boast of his Tobago heritage, but I would like to remind the population that Judas was a disciple of Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus and I am asking Dr Rowley – don’t betray the people of Tobago.”

He said the House of Representatives was given notice that Rowley would pilot the draft order of the Tobago House of Assembly elections on Wednesday.

“It is against the tenets of our democracy that 41 people in Port of Spain would decide the political future of 51,000 voters in Tobago.”

Hosein said 25 per cent of eligible voters voted for PNM in the last THA election and as such, the PNM has no authority to speak for all Tobagonians.

He added, “Regardless of your political affiliation, this is a matter of utmost importance.”

He said the EBC report will indicate whether there needs to be an increase in districts based on population size.

But Hosein recalled, “When the EBC released its report last year to Parliament, no recommendations were made by the EBC to increase the number of seats.”

He said the report indicated the elections could be held with the 12 existing seats.

“The law that governs the division and limitations of the boundaries is the EBC Local Government of the Tobago House of Assemblies Act, Chapter 25:05 which says the EBC will determine if an electoral area should be divided.”

However, he said the situation is unfolding in reverse, with the government instructing the EBC via simple majority legislation in Parliament.

He said if the data from the January election is used to predict the outcome in the new 15-seat arrangement, the PNM would win nine seats and the PDP would take six.

He said both the 13th and 14th boundaries were made using seats won by the PNM.

“When you look at the numbers, the PNM numbers are superior to the PDP numbers.”

Hosein questioned why the EBC did not conduct an overall analysis of the island to create the divisions.

This story was originally published with the title "Hosein: Rowely, don’t betray the people of Tobago" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

UNC MP for Barataria/San Juan Saddam Hosein has said the PNM has an unfair advantage in the recently divided electoral districts of Tobago.

During the UNCs weekly press conference, Hosein has said the latest division, which saw the 12 electoral districts rearranged to create 15, is biased to the PNM.

“The Prime Minister will come on Wednesday to defend these boundary changes,” he said. “The Prime Minister will boast of his Tobago heritage, but I would like to remind the population that Judas was a disciple of Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus and I am asking Dr Rowley, don’t betray the people of Tobago.”

He said the House of Representatives was given notice that Rowley will pilot the draft order of the Tobago House of Assembly elections on Wednesday.

The January 2021 THA election resulted in a 6-6 deadlock between the PNM and the PDP.

“It is against the tenants of our democracy that 41 people in Port of Spain would decide the political future of 51,000 voters in Tobago.”

Hosein said 25 per cent of voters voted for PNM and as such, the PNM have no authority to speak for all Tobagonians.

He said, “Regardless of your political affiliation, this is a matter of utmost importance.”