(Trinidad Express) As much as they tried to hold back supporters, outside the Baliser house, Victoria Avenue quickly has turned into a sea of red as supporters continue to increase in numbers, dancing and singing in the streets in praise of the PNM winning the election.
Shortly before 11pm, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) has officially won the General Election 2020.
The announcement was made outside the Baliser House after the PNM claimed 22 constituencies. The United National Congress won 19 seats.
A victorious Rowley said, “So far as the results are in there are one or two areas that need to be tidied up but it appears as though we went in with 23 seats and we would come out with 22. A majority is 21. Thank you. Thank you for that support.”
Joined on stage by his wife, Stuart Young, Fitzgerald Hinds and other PNM members, Rowley added, “Given the course that we have travelled, given the obstacles that we’ve had to overcome from 2015 to 2020, I tonight want to say that this result, confirms my faith in the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Meanwhile, the United National Congress (UNC) conceded defeat at the party’s election headquarters in Couva as Rowley delivered his victory speech at Balisier House in Port-of-Spain.
UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar was at her constituency office in Penal.
She did not go to Couva where dozens of supporters had gathered to view the vote count throughout the night.
The UNC won the marginal Moruga/Tableland seat which was held by the PNM.
The PNM won the 2020 general election with 22 seats, the UNC won 19.
The party’s executive members, candidates and the media were allowed to enter the Couva South auditorium, while supporters gathered on the grounds outside.
Large television screens were erected outside allowing supporters to view the count.
Incumbent MP for Couva South Rudranath Indarsingh said he was confident of victory. He said, “We are being told that it is looking very good at this time, we are optimistic.”
The Siparia constituency was the first to be declared by the UNC at around 9pm. Persad-Bissessar declared the seat for the UNC at her constituency office in Penal.
The controversial Princes Town seat was also declared, with Barry Padarath claiming victory.
The PNM had advised the electorate that Padarath’s candidacy was null and void, claiming that his nomination was invalid.
At around 10.41pm, the UNC conceded defeated at the election headquarters.
“I am saddened to report to you that the PNM has declared victory with 22 seats to our 19 seats,” the supporters were told.
