Rest the popular-vote theory

THE EDITOR: Mooting the popular-vote theory, which really became prominent in TT with the Panday/Manning general election 18-18 tie of 2001, is really an act of consolation and deception rooted in desperation and denial.

The Opposition gloats about having the popular vote in spite of the fact that that popularity is localised in most instances to two or maybe three electoral districts/municipalities.

Given rare occurrences, the PNM has always been the only party with the standalone ability to field candidates in every electoral district for general elections or municipality for local elections. The strict understanding of the popular vote as is utilised in the US system should not define our use of the phrase.

Thirty per cent of the electorate voted, your overall votes have diminished significantly, you accepted concessions from other political parties. Who is popular?

Local elections belong to the ordinary men and women on the ground and a party claiming the "popular vote" that cannot field a full slate, how popular can you be?

Whichever way, until a true national party emerges, whether a coalition or stand-alone, perhaps as did the PDP in Tobago, rest we with the popularity thing. Please.

NB: Coming together is easy, staying together has proven to be the challenge.

ANN MARIE DAVIDSON

San Fernando