Opposition Leader: Rowley’s refusal of election observers a slap in the face of citizens

Today I read with disappointment a news report that said “Rowley blanks Kamla’s call” for election observers for the upcoming local government elections.

I want to correct Rowley, he didn’t “blank” me, he blanked the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Just as he disrespected the people of our nation by the callous manner in which he attempted to stall the Local Government elections by a year, Rowley is now again contemptuously disregarding the need to reassure the public that these elections will be free and fair and free from fear.

There is no logical reason for Rowley to refuse to allow international election observers.

Given the actions by the Rowley government in the Tobago House of Assembly elections, in which Rowley acted outside the proper process and by his own admission instructed the Elections and Boundaries Commission to create additional seats and have the election redone, means international election observers are desperately needed in Trinidad and Tobago for elections going forward.

I also want to remind Rowley that in 2015 while as Opposition Leader he also called for international Elections observers, for which I obliged, viewing it as part of my duty to the citizens of our nation.

I again repeat my call for the Government to do the right thing for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and allow international election observers for the incoming local government elections as well as the 2025 general elections.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition

31st May 2023