Hugh Francis not a serious threat for PNM chairmanship

Former Government Minister Hugh Francis has set himself what many perceive as the almost impossible assignment of challenging a political leader at the height of his power. Francis, who does not enjoy the support of the political leadership, is running for the chairmanship against Government minister Franklyn Khan who has the blessing of the Political Leader and Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Also in the running is former councillor, Harvey Borris. Sources admitted yesterday, that while Francis — who was nominated by party groups  in the Central area — does have some support, it is unlikely that he would pose a serious threat. Manning has triumphed at all internal party elections since he took over the party’s leadership. At the internal party election in 1987, which followed the electoral debacle of 1986, Manning, who was now finding his political feet, was able to beat Aeneas Wills and to get his (Manning’s)  slate of candidates in all the key party positions. The outcome was the same in 1996, when Manning faced a strong leadership challenge from Keith Rowley. If as a Opposition Leader beating him  was difficult task, as Prime Minister the task is even more formidable. The notable exception to this trend was when Nello Mitchell won the position of General Secretary in 1993 against Martin Joseph, who was Manning’s choice. Sources pointed out that this defeat took place when Manning was Prime Minister.

Sources stated that Francis’ campaign is expected to center around the message that those who toiled while the party was in Opposition, were not the ones who were benefitting from the spoils of government. Sources said that there was a feeling in certain sections on the ground that the newcomers to the party were the ones who were benefitting from the fruits of  other person’s labour. At the close of nominations at 6 pm on Friday, sources stated that there were six uncontested positions out of a total of 15 party posts. In all instances, the nominees were members of Manning’s slate. They are the positions of Political Leader — Patrick Manning; Vice-Chairman — John Donaldson; General Secretary — Martin Joseph; Treasurer —Anthony Jacelon; Education Officer - Overand Padmore and Operations Officer — John Commissiong. However, for the position of Lady Vice-Chairman, Norma Lewis Phillip (incumbent) is expected to receive a strong fight from Manning’s candidate, Magna Williams-Smith, former chairman of the Diego Martin Regional Corporation and temporary senator. There was some doubt over the candidacy of Lewis-Phillips given the persistent rumours about her ill-health.

For the position of Assistant General Secretary there is a three way battle between Rose Janniere, who is on the Manning slate, Patsy Ransome and Ronnie Sookoo (incumbent). Janniere is currently Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the party. Ambassador Jerry Narace is vying for the position of (PRO) and has Manning’s support. Running against him are Mark Mopeen and former candidate Romando Rampersad, sources said. Nominees for the position of Welfare Officer are Joslyn Bodden, who is on the Political Leader’s slate and Pearl Charles. Airport Authority Chair-man, Linus Rogers, is favoured by Manning for the position of Elections Officer, according to sources. He is being challenged by Franklyn Greaves. Satish Ramroop, who was highly praised by Manning for his role in the Local Government Election in the Central districts, is Manning’s choice for Youth Officer Male. He is up against Foster Cummings and Choy Small. However, the Political Leader is, according to sources, staying up of the race for the position of Youth Officer Female in which the two nominees are temporary Senator Joan Hackshaw-Marcellin and former minister, Jennifer Johnson. Manning, according to sources, also has no preference for the position of Labour Relations Officer which is being contested by Andy Bhaggan and Jagdeo Jugmohan.

There is no nominee for the position of Field Officer, sources said. It is therefore likely that when this is indicated to the Convention, the highest body in the party, it would move that nominations for the position of Field Officer be accepted at the meeting of the Convention, which takes place next Saturday and Sunday at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre. The PNM, which has not had a two day convention since 1981, has returned to the traditional two day format.  At the convention the elections for all the contested positions would be conducted, the results announced and the victorious team officially presented to party supporters. The last internal party elections were held in 1996. The key to winning and losing these elections, sources said, lies with the degree of familarity which candidates have of the delegate system. The PNM’s election system, unlike the UNC, is not a one man-one vote system. Rather delegates are chosen by the party groups and the other cells of the party (women and youth leagues etc) and they are charged with voting on their behalf. But the election is conducted by secret ballot and there is no real way of ensuring that the delegate votes in accordance with the wishes of the group which he/she represents. Therefore in many instances, candidates lobby the delegates directly. A report of all the nominations received for the 15 party positions is to be presented to the party’s General Secretary which meets this morning at the Balisier House headquarters.