Shockwaves in PNM over future of PM’s seat

The possibility of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley not contesting his Diego Martin West seat again sent shockwaves through the People’s National Movement (PNM) yesterday, but not about the possibility of Dr Amery Browne contesting the Diego Martin West seat instead. Sources expressed concern that the Prime Minister would have left many of them blindsided, as they thought he was going to lead them into another election.

Party sources said there was speculation and accusations for most of Sunday, when the Sunday Guardian broke the story, on who the source of the information was until Browne commented on it, saying he had “not been approached by the constituency of DM West regarding nomination as an electoral candidate.”

The Sunday Guardian story, however, never said he was approached by the constituency executive.

Guardian Media understands many within the party saw Browne as a fitting replacement for Diego Martin West. Comments on social media under the story were positive overall as well.

If not Diego Martin West, some wondered if it would be better for Browne to return to his previous seat of Diego Martin Central, which he held from 2007-2015. But that seat is currently held by Symon De Nobriga, who has signalled his intention to contest again.

As he entered the Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Rowley did not respond to questions about the story, and in particular if he would contest his seat again.

Guardian Media also reached out to Minister Browne and asked what the reaction had been like to the possibility of him taking over the seat and if he had spoken to the Prime Minister on the issue since.

Browne simply said, “No comment from me on this topic at this time.”

The PNM finds itself in an interesting position.

In the past, the party has had to find a new leader by way of untimely death, as in the case of Dr Eric Williams in 1981, or through a resignation after sweeping electoral defeats as in 1986 and in 2010, when George Chambers and Patrick Manning lost to the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) and People’s Partnership (PP) respectively. This would be the first time a sitting prime minister could voluntarily opt out of contesting an election.

Political analysts say there are several possible scenarios for the Prime Minister going forward. Rowley could possibly step down entirely and walk away from electoral politics. He could also step down, Browne could run for the seat and Rowley could still retain the position of political leader until the next internal election. Or, the Prime Minister could win his seat, and according to the Constitution, declare that he is unwilling to serve as prime minister while still remaining political leader.

Commenting on possible options yesterday, former minister turned political commentator Ralph Maraj said, “Distinct possibility he wants to do this.”

Having the Prime Minister and political leader as separate people is unprecedented in the country but it is permissible.

“Legally it can work, but practically, it may be unmanageable,” said political analyst Dr Indera Rampersad.

According to Section 76. (1) of the Constitution:

(a) a member of the House of Representatives who is the Leader in that House of the party which command the support of the majority of members of that House; or (b) where it appears to him that that party does not have an undisputed leader in that House or that no party commands the support of such a majority, the member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is most likely to command the support of the majority of members of that House, and who is willing to accept the office of Prime Minister.

But Rampersad said that scenario could throw the party into chaos and confusion if the political leader does not agree with the prime minister on certain issues.

“You always want the political leader and the prime minister to be on the same page because you want consistency with the decisions that are made,” she said.

Maraj meanwhile said this is why it is easier if they are the same person.

“It is morally wrong to be leaving and heading the selection committee to choose candidates for the next political leader unless he is going to be your puppet prime minister,” Maraj said.

“Or if you wish to be political leader pulling the strings of your puppet prime minister. It is very possible the party will not tolerate such a scenario and turbulence could eventuate.”

In a November media interview, Rowley was asked about the possibility, which he did not outright deny. He was quoted as saying, “These are permutations that the constitution allows, both the local (PNM) and the national Constitution. So I don’t know how the decision-making would play out in that situation. And I am not here speaking to that situation (happening) now, but if in making decisions going forward, those permutations occur, they are all part of the process.”

However, these issues only come into play if the PNM wins the election.

“If they don’t win the election they’ll be in opposition. The winning party will get it all,” Dr Rampersad said.

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