On the heels of Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan’s announcement on Wednesday that she would step down as political leader of the Congress of the People (COP), former United National Congress (UNC) Minister, Devant Maharaj, is calling on Kamla Persad Bissessar to do same.

But while it remains to be seen if Persad-Bissessar will resign after facing another loss at the polls on Monday, she has the support of several party members to remain as the UNC leader.

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Caroni East, Dr. Rishad Seecheran, said “I am both happy and humbled to be a member of a team of candidates that has secured the popular vote nationally. That is an indication of the widespread support that is enjoyed by UNC throughout our country.”

Meanwhile Saddam Hosein, who won the Barataria/San Juan seat, said “An opportunity was given to me at age 29 to contest the marginal seat of Barataria/ San Juan. This signifies the trust, confidence and commitment she has placed in the youth…I support and commend Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar to continue as the Leader of our great party. Her conviction and faithfulness to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is unshaken which serves as inspiration. “

On Tuesday the UNC’s Public Relations Officer, Anita Haynes, said the party remains committed to Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, noting that internal elections were not due until 2021.

Persad Bissessar herself has indicated she will announce further plans after the results of the full recount of five seats has been delivered.