UNC warns election violence; PNM says ‘paranoia’

THE OPPOSITION United National Congress (UNC) is warning of violence in future elections in TT if its supporters are intimidated in any way before the July 14 Local Government elections. However the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) dismissed the Opposition’s cries as nothing but “paranoia”.

Following a three-hour meeting at the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) Frederick Street headquarters, UNC chairman Wade Mark alleged that UNC candidates were being offered hefty sums of cash by the PNM not to face the polls. Mark also claimed mock polling stations were being established to intimidate UNC supporters and these were illegal under the Representation of the People’s Act. He said the PNM was also using the “blue shirt army” of CEPEP to keep UNC voters away from the polls.

“This is a pattern which is emerging,” he said. “We have also discovered that there is a plot to steal these elections as the elections of 2002. We are concerned about the levels of intimidation, harassment and violence that could be unleashed on the voters of this country before and on the 14th. If the Police Commissioner and the police do not take action to protect the electorate on the 14th then we will have to take measures to ensure that our people are protected.”

The UNC chairman said the party would give its evidence to the police and had asked the EBC to arrange a meeting next week between the police and all parties contesting the elections on this matter. Mark said the UNC would also raise its concerns with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the international community. However PNM Deputy Leader (Policy) Nafeesa Mohammed said Mark’s allegations reflect “a high level of paranoia” within the UNC’s leadership.