PNM cancels internal election, annual convention
Lead Editor – Newsgathering
kejan.haynes@guardian.co.tt
The PNM has cancelled its upcoming internal election which, according to PNM sources, was a shock not just to the public but members of the party.
A release issued by the party yesterday simply stated, “The People’s National Movement wishes to advise that its 51st Annual Convention, as well as the internal election, originally scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024, has been cancelled.”
When asked for clarification on what that meant, members said either chairman Stuart Young, general secretary Foster Cummings or PRO Faris Al-Rawi would be best suited to answer.
Guardian Media caught up with Cummings after the sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of the Parliament yesterday evening.
Cummings would only say, “I have no further comments on that. I was very clear in the release on what the position is.”
He was reminded that the release said “cancelled” and not “postponed.”
He was also told the announcement came shortly after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said during his Budget presentation that this may be his “swan song.”
Asked if he had a comment on that, Cummings said, “No no.”
Told that other party members seemed to be caught off guard, Cummings said, “You can refer that one to the Prime Minister.”
Prime Minister Rowley did not respond to requests for comment yesterday.
The surprise announcement has also raised questions about an impending election day.
Yesterday’s announcement also raised questions within the Opposition. One UNC MP said jokingly as the Parliamentary session ended, “I hope you are here to ask questions about democracy within the PNM. You are always interested in democracy within the UNC.”
The PNM has previously postponed a party convention scheduled for November 2010 to March 2011.
When asked for comment on the development, PNM stalwart Ferdie Ferreira said, “I can only assume that they are waiting for the selection of all party candidates and wait for one big bang next year.”
He said he believes that’s because the Prime Minister has already chosen a date for the election.
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