The People’s National Movement has been elected to serve another five years in office, winning a total of 22 out of the 41 constituencies.

The United National Congress forms the Opposition once more, albeit with more footing, gaining the Moruga seat- formerly held by the PNM.

Delivering his victory speech at Balisier House at around 10:30pm, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley thanked supporters for another win- and called for the focus to now be switched away from the aggravation of the election, towards the betterment of the overall national community.

“Tonight, against all odds, in a most difficult situation, the PNM has once more been called to service in the government of Trinidad and Tobago,” Dr. Rowley told supporters.

Admitting the campaign was a difficult task, he said “I tonight want to say that this result confirms my faith in the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Because I’ve always said that the people of Trinidad and Tobago can be trusted to do the right thing when they are called so to do.”

Dr. Rowley also hinted that this may be his final stint as Prime Minister and Leader of the PNM.

“This, ladies and gentlemen, could easily be my last term in politics in Trinidad and Tobago. I’m not one of those politicians who believe that when you come into office you should come out feet first. I have places to go and people to see,” he said, embracing his wife, Sharon Rowley.” 

Meanwhile, at her Siparia constituency office, a visibly sombre UNC Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, declined to concede. “I am not conceding. Our candidates in several marginals are in the process of requesting a recount, and only then will we declare defeat or victory,” she said.

She further indicated that the party will call for a recount of three marginal seats- but declined to say which of those would be investigated.

Persad-Bissessar admitted she was “somewhat surprised” by the election result, but added that “the fight is not over until the recount is done.”