Opposition UNC wins decisive election in Trinidad and Tobago

Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) have won a decisive victory in Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary elections, ending a decade-long absence from power. Preliminary results show the UNC gained significant ground by capturing key seats previously held by the People’s National Movement (PNM), whose leader Keith Rowley conceded defeat following his earlier resignation and the subsequent brief tenure of Stuart Young as prime minister. The snap election, called by Young hours after taking office, was widely criticized as politically opportunistic and unconstitutional by opponents. Persad-Bissessar, who previously served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015, campaigned on promises to raise public sector wages, reopen the Petrotrin oil refinery and children’s hospital, create jobs, and protect pensions amid rising crime and economic difficulties. The United States congratulated Persad-Bissessar and reaffirmed its interest in deepening cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago on energy, economic prosperity, and security. The peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections was commended as a testament to the country’s democratic values.