Patrick Manning

Political analysts suggest that Manning, who called the general elections two years before it is constitutionally due, could not have done so on a whim, especially since he is an astute politician with the full weight of the PNM’s political machinery behind him.

The concern is that the ruling PNM is up against a formidable challenge from the People’s Partnership, a merger of five opposition parties and trade unions led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC); and, citizens are calling for change.

According to Fort Lauderdale attorney, Trinidadian Lisa Colon-Heron, it is very difficult to gage the elections. “The dynamics of this election are very unique. On one hand, there is an opposition leader (East Indian) who represents change, but the racial undertones tend the rare its ugly head during election time. There is a huge distrust of the UNC party by [Trinidadians of African descent].” She said, however that the coalition has positioned itself so that it will send the strongest candidate in each constituency.

Colon-Heron said Manning, who seems confident of victory, “has a problem I think George Bush had at the end of his presidency… people don’t like Patrick Manning.” She said they believe that he hasn’t done anything to stop corruption in Trinidad. “Crime is a big problem and has escalated during this period. They see Manning being soft on crime.”

She said while Manning has done much to keep the country economically sound, especially in the midst of the worldwide economic downturn, Persad-Bissessar should not be underestimated. After all, she won her party leadership from political veteran and former Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday. “I think that it would be a historic event to have the first female prime minister of Trinidad, but there is so much more overshadowing this election that it takes away from the uniqueness of that.”

At a recent People’s Partnership meeting Persad-Bissessar said, “Nothing will stop us now… We know the tricks will not work this time. The country is united like never before... History is ours to make.”

One of the potential problems Colon-Heron foresees is that the coalition party might not know how to operate and share power if they should get it. She asked: “How will the coalition work? What is the partnership? How will they function once they have gotten into power?” This has not really been clearly defined, she said.

Manning is also asking what are the People’s Partnership’s policies on energy, industrialization and minimum wage, warning voters that “If you make the mistake, if you make the mistake, my dear friends, and you elect them to office, you are only to blame yourselves.”

Trinidadian Dexter George, a Florida attorney, said, “The focus should really be on what is needed in the country, and I think the country needs change.” He also believes that Persad-Bissessar can deliver that change. “Having met her, I feel confident that she has what it takes to move the country forward.”

“At the end of the day, when people go to the polls on Monday people are going vote for Manning or against Manning,” Colon-Heron said.

Monday will be D-Day for Trinidad and Tobago, whether Manning will hold firm or Persad-Bissessar will pull off an upset is anyone’s guess.