PNM on election footing a smokescreen, says Panday

Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC) and Leader of the Opposition, Basdeo Panday, believes that the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) notice of putting the party in election mode is merely a smokescreen. Panday claims it was created to divert attention away from:  political interference in the Judiciary and Police Service; the Chief Justice matter; the Anti-Terrorism Bill; and to stem the tide of unpopularity that the PNM is now facing.

Panday said the UNC has “not taken this announcement lightly,” and is “preparing for any eventuality.” He made these comments after a special meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Arm and Executive to assess the political situation, on Wednesday evening at the UNC’s Rienzi Complex headquarters. The UNC leader also said that the PNM may in fact be preparing for a general election under the pretext of a Local Government election campaign.

The Local Government election is due around July 2006. As such, Panday explained that the special meeting was called to provide a forum “to get ideas from the grassroots on what to do to ensure victory.” He revealed that there were many good suggestions coming from the members which the party’s leadership intends to implement. These include strengthening the internal party organs, dealing with divisiveness, and giving the rank and file “a greater say” within the party’s system. One suggestion was that the party identify potential candidates from now, so that they could begin to familiarise themselves with their respective constituencies.

In addition, there was a demand among those present at the meeting for a “massive demonstration” in support of constitutional reform. The members also requested that supporters ignore “certain statements in the media aimed at diverting attention inward,” instead of focusing on the national political situation. With respect to suspicions of PNM gerrymandering in UNC areas, Panday alluded to proportional representation, saying that if constitutional reform were to become a reality, it would not matter if the PNM gerrymanders seats, every vote would count.

When asked whether he would lead the UNC into another election, Panday replied that in the past he indicated that he wanted to retire, and would do so when the party elects another leader, but he underscored: “As long as I am here, I will fight!” Panday revealed that Prime Minister Patrick Manning has responded to his letter requesting a meeting on the Chief Justice issue, and has indicated a willingness to meet with him. He elaborated, saying that Manning’s response was similar to his speech in the Senate. “We are studying his response and will meet (with Manning) hopefully this week,” Panday said.