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Victorious PNM councillor-elect, Ivan Sinclair, cited a strong belief in God plus unity among several constituency party groups as being responsible for the People’s National Movement’s PNM success in the Siparia East/San Francique South by-election on Monday evening.


Addressing scores of jubilant supporters during euphoric victory celebrations at the PNM’s constituency offices at Siparia Old Road, he praised the constituency groups of La Brea, Point Fortin, San Fernando East, San Fernando West, Siparia, and Fyzabad for their "collective work" in bringing home the victory.


"It is a good feel to see that we, the People’s National Movement, have been able to unite and work collectively to ensure that we bring home a victory for the People’s National Movement," Sinclair said.


He added, "I also want to thank Almighty God, because my strength comes from God and I want to thank God for that."


Sinclair tempered his speech, however, noting that "the journey has now begun," and he promised to deliver on election promises made on the campaign trail.


Sinclair said, "I will work with you all and I will ensure that collectively we will try to deliver what we have promised."


PNM political leader, Patrick Manning, who engaged in walkabouts in the district, described Sinclair as a "candidate of candidates" who was intimately acquainted with almost every member of the electoral district.


Meanwhile, UNC candidate, Christine Ann Rogers-Deonarinesingh, was philosophical about the party’s defeat, saying the UNC had increased the number of votes by some 40 percent.


She pledged to continue working with the region’s young people to become competent adults.


"I intend to continue working as a community leader and to develop young people to be competent adults," she said.


Opposition Leader, Basdeo Panday, was also philosophical about the elections loss saying, "we did not lose anything because we cannot lose what we never had.


"At the end of this endeavour, we have gained, if you look at it. We have never won this seat before so we cannot lose anything. Instead we have gained a valuable team player in the form of Christine Ann Rogers-Deonarinesingh," he said.


Panday added, "We have increased our votes by 40 percent and the PNM has decreased their votes because their supporters are disgruntled. We will continue to grow in strength, and at the end of our endurance the UNC will win the next General Elections."


During Monday’s poll, 8,383 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots in 13 electoral districts.


Here is a breakdown of results:


PNM- 2543;


UNC- 2089;


NAR- 57;


spoilt ballots- 15.


Total voter turnout- 4,704.

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