PEP tells third parties to ‘stand down’ and join the UNC in victory

AS the election race nears the finish line, political leader of the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) Phillip Alexander is advising third parties to "stand down" from the process and join with the UNC in defeating the PNM.

Stating that third forces did not stand a chance as independent entities, he advised them “not to run interference for the PNM.”

Alexander’s PEP has joined forces with the UNC in a coalition of interest that includes the Congress of the People (COP) the trade union movement and LOVE party to contest the 2025 general election.

He said while the third parties were unlikely to win any seats, they can split votes, mainly in favour of the PNM.

At a UNC campaign meeting on April 23 at St John Ambulance Hall, Wrightson Road, Alexander, who is coming up against Prime Minister Stuart Young in the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West seat, said there was room for all in the UNC mansion, from the PNM and the other parties.

He said Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar had embraced all the coalition partners, united the nation making every creed and race find an equal place and feel at home in the UNC.

“I am calling on the political leaders of the smaller parties, now that the polls are out and you know you have no chance, give them a round of applause for trying, but stand down.

“Stand down. Don’t run interference for these people. Don’t interrupt their date with destiny that is coming on Monday (election day).

“To the candidates of those smaller parties, with all the love I have to give, come over to the coalition there is room here in this mansion for everybody, come, come, come.

“Help the PNM members who are leaving their party to transition.”

Former attorney general John Jeremie and minister in the PNM administration Fr Kennedy Swarathsingh have endorsed the UNC.

“It is time to talk. Liberation Day is Monday April 28. The PNM is not a political party to defeat, this is a band of demons we have to cast out. Monday we voting with prayers.”

Alexander explained to the audience dressed in an array of yellow, blue, green, orange and white to identify the different interests, when they spoke of liberation day, they were speaking about jobs, health care, education, financial services, across the board.