[UPDATED] Mickela Panday to contest 2025 general election

COMMEMORATING what would have been her father's 91st birthday and her party's fifth anniversary, Mickela Panday launched her campaign for the general elections due before the end of 2025.

Speaking after a tribute service to her father at Twin Walls, San Fernando, Panday announced that the Patriotic Front will contest all 41 seats in the election. She said nominations will open on May 27.

"We seek candidates who will listen to the people, who will be a true voice for their constituents in the halls of power. If you believe in our values and are passionate about serving your constituency, we encourage you to step forward."

The party was launched in 2019 but sat out the 2020 election. Asked by Newsday what made her decide to contest this one, Panday said: "Because the time is right."

"People have been calling for it. I do not believe that politicians and political parties must hoist themselves on the people. The people must call and they're calling."

During her address, Panday invited people who would listen to the people on the ground and be "a true voice of power" to join the party.

Addressing scores of supporters, Panday said her party is a fresh vision which aims to rid the country of divisive politics and will not engage in mudslinging or sending messages of hate, fear, bitterness and division.

She said her party believes there is a desperate need for reform in the country.

"Namely economic reform, administrative reform, reform of the banking rules and regulations, reform in our approach to crime, food security, land distribution, education, health and industrial relations to name a few. These are some of the priorities we will be addressing as our campaign is rolled out."

She added the party believes the youth have an essential role in the country's economic development.

"Youth is the lifeblood of any nation, carrying with them energy, idealism and innovative spirit necessary for progress. As the future leaders, the development and cultivation of young minds is paramount. Their fresh perspectives and adaptability allow them to drive technological advancement, social change and economic growth. Moreover, investing in education and opportunities for youth ensures a strong foundation for a nation's prosperity. By empowering young people, a country taps into a powerful force capable of shaping a brighter, more dynamic future. The vitality of the youth is therefore an indispensable asset in the ongoing evolution and betterment of any society."

Panday also commissioned her party office at Twin Walls on May 26.

This story was originally published with the title "Mickela Panday to contest 41 seats in 2025 general election" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Commemorating what would have been her father's 91st birthday and the fifth anniversary of her party, the Patriotic Front, Mickela Panday launched her campaign for the 2025 general elections.

Speaking following a tribute service for her father Basdeo Panday at Twin Walls, San Fernando, she announced her party will contest all 41 seats in the election. She said nominations will open on May 27.

"We seek candidates who will listen to the people, who will be a true voice for their constituents in the halls of power. If you believe in our values and are passionate about serving your constituency, we encourage you to step forward." 

The party was launched in 2019 but did not contest the 2020 general election. Asked by Newsday what made her decide to contest this one, she said: "Because the time is right."

"People have been calling for it. I do not believe that politicians and political parties must hoist themselves on the people. The people must call and they're calling." 

Panday also commissioned her party office at Twin Walls on Saturday.

Her father, the founder of the United National Congress, died on January 1.