Political analysts: UNC trying to energise voters

Political analyst Bishnu Ragoonath said if the membership and leadership of the UNC believes Warner was an asset to them, they would now try to maximise the benefits of such an alliance.

“We are going into a local government election, which has traditionally had a low voter turnout.

“If Warner’s presence on the UNC platform can excite more people to come out to vote for the UNC, then they would have achieved their objective. If Warner could get his party the UNC to excite more of its dormant members to come out and vote, especially if there is a low voter turnout, it should give the UNC a fighting chance in the election.”

Political analyst Dr Indira Rampersad said the UNC, in partnering with the NTA and bringing Warner back to the party, seemed to be trying to appeal to the broadest base possible.

“I think they are trying to energise the party, and I think they succeeded on Monday based on the size of the crowd and the response to Warner. “He was given a hearty welcome by UNC supporters. I think there were more than 1,000 people there, and it was more energised than some of the previous meetings, so I think Warner is bringing something, and he will also bring some votes.

“I can’t say how many, but he also had a following, some who had fallen out of the UNC and gone to the ILP may come back and there are others who belong nowhere but are supporters of Warner who may also come towards the UNC, so in that sense, and I think this is also the strategy, it can improve the fortunes of the UNC.”

Rampersad said she believes the Opposition realised it needs to practice a policy and politics of national unity.

She said the prevailing theme at Monday’s meeting was mending fences.

“They’re trying to bring the forces together because history has shown the only way the UNC can win is through alliances, so whether it’s an official collaboration or not, at least through engagement and collaboration with other forces.”

She said she found it interesting that the UNC has embraced Griffith but said it seemed to be part of the same unification strategy.

“I think they’re in a winning mode, I’m not saying they’re going to win, but they’re in a winning mode in the sense that they’re not leaving any stones unturned this time, and they’re just trying to court as many factions as possible.”

Rampersad said although the upcoming election was for local government, it was assuming the proportions and dimensions of a general election from the campaign.