Analysts say TPP could be ‘kingmaker’ in general elections 2025

Two political analysts believe the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has the potential to make a strong impact on Tobago’s electorate in the upcoming general election once its strategy is solid.

On Friday TPP political leader Farley Augustine announced the process for screening candidates for the Tobago East and West seats has started.

Political analyst Dr Indira Rampersad noted that Augustine’s leadership still has significant support, strengthened by Tobago’s dissatisfaction with the central Government’s handling of crime and the economy.

However, she said the candidates selected for the Tobago East and West seats will play a crucial role in determining the TPP’s chances.

“I think that the chances of Farley making more than a dent, actually making inroads, and being able to arrest those two seats from the PNM is good.

“Those two candidates can make the entire difference to the general elections on the whole because then they can be kingmaker. They can be kingmaker with a UNC or even with a PNM government, if it is very close,” she said.

The idea of being the kingmaker is the strategy of the Progressive Democratic Patriots political leader Watson Duke in 2025. Duke told Guardian Media just last week this is his plan to become the next prime minister.

Meanwhile, political analyst, Dr Bishnu Ragoonath felt the party has a chance based on its campaign strategies which could either strengthen or weaken its chances.

But, he warned against underestimating the PNM, which he said still retains considerable support despite losing the last Tobago House of Assembly election.

Ragoonath said, “I think it’s hardly unlikely that any of the current certain members of the THA will offer themselves. I expect that the two candidates to be selected will have to come from outside the House of the Assembly, and we really have to see what sort of impact they can make on that electorate.

“I don’t think— this is my personal opinion— that Farley Augustine will offer himself for any of the seats.”

Both analysts felt the issue of autonomy for Tobago will not play a major factor as the matter has been overly used as a dangling carrot for voters.

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