Dear Editor,

Although the ruling PNM has an unassailable lead for November 5 general elections, the opposition can win the elections if they were to form an electoral accommodation.

The findings of NACTA’s latest opinion tracking poll conducted over the last week shows the combined opposition parties leading the PNM in popular support and projected seats. However, since the two opposition parties, UNC Alliance and Congress of People are deeply divided and going into the elections separately in a three way contest, the PNM is way out in front of both of them and is projected to win by a landslide. But the PNM, as well as COP, have lost support over the last week while the UNCA has gained ground. The UNCA has been pleading for an electoral arrangement while the COP has rejected all talks and possibilities for an alliance or electoral accommodation to contest the elections.

According to the findings of the poll, the PNM is trailing the combined opposition by 6% – 40% for the PNM to 46% for the combined opposition but leading its nearest rival by 10%. The UNCA has 30% and COP 16% with 14% of the voters undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 4% which when factored into the equation means the PNM and the combined opposition are in a statistical dead heat suggesting that if the two opposition parties were come together, the election will be competitive. Otherwise, the PNM will romp home with a landslide.

NACTA will conduct tracking polls in selected constituencies until election day.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram