April 28, 2025 – Polls will close shortly in a general election described by analysts in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and across the region as one of the most unpredictable in decades.
The elections come on the heels of a three-month state of emergency, declared on 30 December 2024 after a wave of bloody gang warfare. The country, with a population of about 1.5 million, recorded 624 homicides, making it one of the most violent countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Alongside a soaring crime rate, rising cost of living likely to be further compounded by the uncertainty of global prices associated with the Tariff war instituted by the United States, have dominated the race between the two main parties, the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC).
The trigger for the vote was former prime minister Keith Rowley’s unprecedented decision to stand down in March, becoming the country’s first leader to resign without losing at the polls.
Stuart Young was sworn in as prime minister, and a day later, he dissolved parliament and called the election, seeking a public mandate for his leadership.
Race has historically been a significant factor in the country’s politics.The PNM draws support from Afro-Trinidadians and the UNC from Indo-Trinidadian communities. Though both parties have repeatedly denied weaponising ethnicity, the 2025 campaign has included accusations of racial messaging in social media campaigns and on political platforms. Class representation has also been a factor.
Within the traditional Westminster-style system, 41 electoral seats are at stake; the majority will form the ruling administration for a five-year term.
The elections, held under traditional Caribbean democratic principles, are expected to be free and fair. Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections, Mr Ian Hughes, is the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) Chief of Mission to the Parliamentary Elections in Trinidad and Tobago. He provides leadership and guidance to the CARICOM Election Observer Mission.