The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, has written a letter to Prime Minister Stuart Young — following her earlier letter to then Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on 16 September 2024 — reiterating the urgent request for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to invite independent international election observers for the upcoming 2025 General Elections.

This renewed call follows Keith Rowley’s dismissive response to the initial request. In Parliament on September 20, 2024, Rowley indicated that the matter was not a priority at the time and downplayed the importance of international observers in enhancing the country’s democratic credentials.

In this latest letter, the Opposition Leader expressed deep concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions, the transparency of the electoral process, and the impartiality of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). The letter highlighted several key points:

1. Historical Precedent: International election observers have monitored Trinidad and Tobago’s general elections since 2000, ensuring transparency and fairness. However, in 2020, for the first time in 20 years, observers were absent due to the government’s delayed invitation and refusal to fund quarantine costs during the COVID-19 lockdown.

2. Conflicts of interest with CARICOM Observer Mission: Concerns were raised that the Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, is the wife of former Attorney General, Reginald Armour.

3. Unconstitutional Postponement of 2022 LGE: It was noted that the Government had to be taken to the Privy Council to overturn its unconstitutional decision to postpone the 2022 Local Government Election.

4. Unaddressed Long-Standing Concerns About the EBC: The Opposition Leader detailed significant issues, including:

· The High Court’s 2015 ruling that the EBC acted unlawfully by extending voting hours without proper notification.

· The partisan composition of the EBC, with all commissioners appointed from traditional PNM strongholds.

· The EBC’s re-drawing of boundaries for 2021 Tobago House of Assembly elections, and acquiescing to the Government’s legislative manipulation to force new elections

· Irregularities during the 2023 Local Government elections, including improperly signed ballots and unsecured ballot boxes.

5. Undermining of Independent Institutions: The letter outlined concerns over the government’s interference in independent state bodies, citing:

· The partisan appointment of President Christine Kangaloo, a former PNM politician, who now oversees key state appointments.

· Political interference in the Police Service Commission, including the controversial withdrawal of a merit list for the Police Commissioner in 2021.

· Government attacks on the Auditor-General following reports of unaccounted public expenditure.

6. State of Emergency and Intimidation: The letter raised concerns over the ongoing State of Emergency since December 2024, which grants law enforcement unchecked powers and may suppress voter turnout. Additionally, record-high crime rates and fearmongering tactics create an atmosphere hostile to free and fair elections.

7. Abuse of State Resources for Party Campaigning: The letter also highlighted the government’s continued abuse of state media and public funds for party political purposes, an issue that has repeatedly been raised by the Opposition.

8. Lack of Transparency: Secrecy characterises the PNM style of governance for the past 10 years, as the Government routinely ignores and dismisses critical concerns of the Opposition and other citizens.

Despite the government’s invitation to CARICOM observers, the Opposition strongly believes that independent, non-Caribbean international observers are necessary to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Given the government’s troubling track record on democratic integrity, the Opposition Leader has called on the Prime Minister to act immediately and invite independent international observers to safeguard the credibility of the 2025 General Elections.

The Opposition remains committed to defending the democratic rights of all citizens and will continue to advocate for free, fair, and transparent elections.