December 7, 2020
Vasant Concedes, Raises Concerns About UNC Internal Election Process
It’s official, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been re-elected as Political Leader of the United National Congress, in a landslide victory over her opponent, Vasant Bharath.
The party’s internal election held on Sunday was not without hiccups, however, with Bharath raising several claims raised about voter suppression and other irregularities.
“There were many cases of voters being verbally abused, bullied and intimidated at polling stations.
At least two Members of Parliament were seen openly campaigning among members who were lined up to cast their votes. Paraphernalia of the Start Team were distributed within the precincts of some polling stations,” he said.
“It is most ironic that these gross abnormalities took place at the hands of an incumbent Political Leader who had lobbied for independent observers for the August 10 general election,” Bharath added.
Nevertheless, the former government minister says he accepts the result.
“We congratulate the Star Team of candidates, led by incumbent Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and wish them all success during their term of office. We offer to be of assistance in the urgent and extensive exercise of rebuilding and renewing the UNC,” Bharath said.