Today is the big day for the UNC loyalists to choose their new leader! The choices are Basdeo Panday (the incumbent leader), Ramesh Maharaj and Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Many believe that the Silver Fox will pull it off but the tide seems to be shifting towards Kamla who most people hope will be able to unite the party with the COP to fight the next general elections. No one seems to have given Ramesh Maharaj a chance in this political dead heat of a race (Bas and Kamla)... it should be a very interesting result.
Now if Kamla wins the makeup of the party will surely change because many in the Panday camp, because of loyalty to Mr. Panday and simply because of their sexist ways, will not remain and support Kamla as their new leader. This could turn out to be a very uncomfortable situation for the UNC and a very good time for the PNM to call general elections!
The hope is that Kamla will win and that the COP and New UNC will eventually form a union to contest the next general election. Some people think this is a joke and that the PNM will remain in office. However, just remember that in the last election the PNM won the government but lost the popular vote. Yes the majority of voters did not vote for the PNM. Politics in Trinidad could be heading for a showdown that could leave its mark on the political landscape and ruin the careers of many high profile politicians.
However, Kamla had to draw first blood and strike at the heart of the UNC today. However, it turns out we are in for some very interesting speeches in the days ahead. Get ready for political mischief!