THE EDITOR: As we approach the 2025 general election, we find ourselves at a crossroads. After a decade of PNM governance, there is disillusionment with the lack of leadership and national direction.
The UNC remains stagnant, unable to expand beyond its traditional East Indian base. Its new coalition of interests lacks structure, cohesion, any real political weight, and appears opportunistic, held together more by the shared desire for power than by any unifying vision.
In this environment, Mickela Panday has a rare opportunity to reshape the political landscape and position herself as the leader the country is yearning for.
Despite the weight of the Panday name in national politics, Mickela is not defined by her father’s legacy. Basdeo Panday, our first Indo-Trinidadian prime minister, remains a controversial figure; celebrated for breaking racial barriers but also tainted by corruption allegations.
However, Mickela has distanced herself from those battles and, unlike many second-generation politicians, she is not seen as a mere extension of her predecessor. If she can effectively communicate this distinction, she could appeal to a broad spectrum of voters disillusioned with the current options.
The UNC is struggling to present itself as a viable alternative to the PNM. Under Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, the party has failed to expand beyond its core and has now abandoned efforts to win support in traditionally black and urban areas.
This is evident in its retreat from Tobago, where it has chosen not to field candidates. In Port of Spain, La Brea, Pointe-a-Pierre and most likely Diego Martin, the party is offering alliance candidates. This signals a party resigned to ethno-regional dominance rather than national victory, leaving a massive gap for an alternative force to emerge.
The PNM is struggling with its own internal challenges. While the party has arguably managed the economy well enough to avoid major crises, it has failed to inspire confidence in a long-term vision for the country.
Crime remains rampant and the government’s response has been largely reactive, with no transformative policies to generate enthusiasm among the electorate.
Stuart Young, as Dr Rowley’s hand-picked successor, faces an uphill battle in energising the electorate, and his close ties to Rowley make it difficult for him to present himself as a candidate of change.
While Mickela Panday has many strengths, she faces a major disadvantage: the absence of a strong political machinery. TT’s political landscape favours well-funded parties with deep institutional networks, making it difficult for new entrants to break through.
The PNM and UNC have spent decades cultivating financial backers whereas Panday’s Patriotic Front lacks the established donor networks and mobilisation required for a large-scale national campaign.
This is why campaign finance reform has never been a priority for any government. Both the PNM and UNC benefit from a system that allows private financing to determine electoral success.
Wit
