Electors vote today in Siparia’s by-election

The seat which was declared vacant following the death of PNM Councillor, Rampersad Ramkissoon on December 12 last, is being contested by representatives of three parties. They are the ruling People’s National Movement, (PNM); the Opposition United National Congress, (UNC), and the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR).

All three political parties held mass meetings, motorcades and walkabouts throughout the district over the weekend.

PNM candidate, Ivan Sinclair, a retired Petrotrin employee, is expected to cast his ballot at the St Bridges Girls’ RC School, at 9 am.

While UNC candidate, Christine Ann Rogers-Deonarinesingh, a professional secretary, is scheduled to cast her ballot at the Siparia Union Presbyterian School at 10.30 am. The NAR’s candidate is Lee Anderson.

Contacted yesterday, all candidates were at their respective campaign offices and expressed confidence saying a large turnout of voters was expected in the district.

There are 13 polling stations in the districts and voting is expected to take place at eight schools — St Christopher’s EC School; Siparia Union School; San Francique Hindu School; St Bridges Girls’ RC School; Siparia Boys’ RC School; KPA School; Union Presbyterian School and St Martin’s RC School. The Returning Officer, Stephen Creese, will be based at the Siparia Regional Corporation.

Ramkissoon won the marginal seat on a PNM ticket. He garnered some 2,200 votes, defeating the UNC candidate by some 600 votes.