UNC executive on hold until recount resolved

UNC "Progressives" candidate Gerald Yetming had initially been declared victorious, but he lost to Vasant Bharath by 77 votes on recount. The Ganesh Ramdial-led Elections Management Committee declared Bharath winner, and drew the ire of several high-level party members — among them political leader Winston Dookeran and deputy political leader Austin Jack Warner.

As he was about to enter Wednesday’s national executive meeting at Rienzi Complex, Couva, Dookeran confirmed that on the agenda was "a continuation of the issue with respect to the recount." Dookeran told Newsday that the party had also agreed to defer the installation of the new executive until the election issue was resolved.

"There are other matters with respect to the transformation of the party and the programme to be embarked upon in that regard," Dookeran said.

He also dismissed speculation the UNC was not prepared to contest a snap general election, saying that support for the UNC at his walkabouts was tremendous.

"Once we get on the road with respect to our programmes for the nation, I think we would be in a good position then to inspire the nation," Dookeran said.