The terms of Councillors and Aldermen which were due to expire on December 3rd of this year, will now be extended to the same date in 2023.

This is constitutionally possible due to Cabinet’s decision to partially proclaim the local government reform legislation, essentially increasing the term of office from three to four years.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Faris Al Rawi, confirmed same a media conference on Thursday.

Under the previous legislation, both officeholders could only serve for a three-year term before having to face the polls again if they wanted to remain in office.

That has now been adjusted to allow for a four year term.

Meanwhile, the Opposition says government is running from the electorate with its decision to extend the terms of sitting local government officials by one year. 

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said it was the PNM’s motive to “underhandedly” shift the date for the Local Government Elections, which had previously been constitutionally due before March 2023.

Asked how the partial proclamation will impact local government elections, Al Rawi said he would “bat in his crease” and reserve information about an election date to be announced by the Prime Minister.