Real facts about LGE results

THE EDITOR: As the political leader of a party in collaboration with another political party, I cannot remain silent while misinformation spreads without presenting the facts.

I've observed a conspicuous silence from some individuals regarding public statements on the disclosure of the local government elections (LGE) results. Meanwhile, some on our side of the spectrum have been vocal in making negative comments about our side, without criticising the "red party." I feel it is important to share the actual events to remind the public of what transpired.

1. The talk of a 7-7 outcome is primarily due to the PNM structuring corporations decades ago to favour its LGE results. For instance, in places like Point Fortin and Port of Spain, several PNM seats were secured with total votes between all parties amounting to less than 700. If corporations were distributed more equitably based on voter numbers, there would have been approximately 19 corporations instead of 14. Given the significant difference in voter margins between the UNC/NTA and the PNM, the result would likely have been closer to 12-7 or 11-8.

2. The UNC/NTA amassed over 190,000 voters compared to the PNM's 130,000, resulting in a substantial 60,000 vote difference. Interestingly, not a single PNM supporter is calling for Rowley to step down.

3. Some attribute the call for one political leader to resign (but not the other) to "low voter turnout." However, the facts show that the 2019 LGE had a 34 per cent turnout, while 2023 had a 30 per cent turnout. In 2019, the UNC acquired 200,000 odd votes, and in 2023, the UNC/NTA alliance garnered more than 190,000 voters, representing a decrease of 10,000. The PNM had 160,000 voters in 2019, but this number decreased to 130,000 in 2023, a reduction of 30,000. In essence, the lower voter turnout saw three out of every four fewer voters in 2023 being previous PNM voters. Yet no one is demanding the resignation of the PNM leader.

4. In the 2019 LGE, the PNM secured more seats, and it used this achievement to state then that it won the election, but in 2023, the UNC obtained more seats than the PNM. However, there is no talk of the PNM leader stepping down.

5. The UNC, with the additional support of NTA voters, turned Sangre Grande into a "safe" corporation by winning an additional seat. It also secured another seat in San Fernando, while the PNM barely held onto a fifth seat to retain that corporation by a mere 26 votes. Surprisingly, this is cited as a reason for the UNC leader to resign.

6. The east/west corridor saw a significant shift in decreasing PNM support from Diego Martin to Arima. This region is where the PNM typically secures the majority of its seats, including its safest ones. Over 50 seats that the PNM usually wins in the LGE by margins of over 1,000 to 2,500 votes were narrowly retained, with many won by less than 200 votes. The UNC made substantial inroads in Arima and Tunapuna/Piarco, while the NTA did the same in Port of Spain and Diego Martin. Strangely, there is no demand from the PNM's side for their leader to step down.

7. The UNC/NTA combined for over 58 per cent of the votes with just a 30 per cent voter turnout. If this 58 per cent margin of victory is maintained in the upcoming general election, then the UNC/NTA will form the next government.

I hope that presenting these facts will help the public gain a clearer understanding of the situation and as to the motives of those on the attack. It is about their fear of remaining politically ostracised or losing hold of the government, which performed miserably in these past eight years.

GARY GRIFFITH

political leader, NTA