Voters elected the 41 members to the House of Representatives byfirst-past-the-post voting. Rowley and the new cabinet were sworn in on 19 August 2020.[10]
The 41 members of theHouse of Representatives are elected byfirst-past-the-post voting in single-memberconstituencies. Registered voters must be 18 years and over, must reside in an electoral district/constituency for at least two months prior to the qualifying date, be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago or aCommonwealth citizen residing legally in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of at least one year.[11]
If one party obtains a majority of seats, then that party is entitled to form the Government, with its leader asPrime Minister. If the election results in no single party having a majority, then there is ahung parliament. In this case, the options for forming the Government are either aminority government or acoalition government.[12]
The leader of the party commanding a majority of support in the House of Representatives is the person who is called on by thepresident to form a government as prime minister, while the leader of the largest party or coalition not in government becomes theLeader of the Opposition.[12]
On 14 July 2020, the leader of thePatriotic Front,Mickela Panday, announced that her party will no longer be contesting the 2020 elections due to lack of time to prepare for the August 2020 polls.[15]
The following registered parties are contesting the general election, thePeople's National Movement is the only party fielding all 41 seats (39 in Trinidad and two in Tobago), 14 parties are contesting seats in Trinidad only and four parties are contesting seats in Tobago only.[16]
Significant differences in the programs of the two major parties UNC and PNM cannot be identified. The UNC is traditionally more of anIndo-Trinidadian party, whileAfro–Trinidadians and Tobagonians make up the majority of the PNM's base. In Trinidad, however, racial differences play a subordinate role, the dominant subject areas in the media are the stagnating economy and the high rate of violent crime; here both parties claim that they are better suited to combat them.[17] In the closing stages of the election campaign, Prime Minister Rowley and citizens accused the UNC of using racist motives in its advertising campaign.[18]
Some parties only represent regional positions. This applies in particular to the parties PDP and OTV, who are running exclusively in Tobago and advocate for regional interests of the island[19] and the MND, which advocates the interests of the Diego Martin region.[20]
The announcement by the opposition UNC that, in the event of an election victory, would build a “dome” over Trinidad to protect against illegal immigrants, made the election campaign relaxed. Before the UNC made it clear that it meant a radar screen, users of social media picked up the topic and indulged in humorous allusions to domes in films and television series.[21]
The resignation of former deputy PNM chairwoman Nafeesa Mohammed on July 28, who accused the PNM leadership of arrogance, ignorance and incompetence, caused a media stir.[26] Minor parties and bodies called on thePresident to postpone the election in view of theCOVID-19 pandemic, which was also rampant in Trinidad, but their requests were denied.[27] A UNC supporter was stabbed on the sidelines of a UNC election campaign on the Saturday before the election.[28]
The following lists identify and rank seats by the margin by which the party's candidate finished behind the winning candidate in the 2015 election.
For information purposes only, seats that have changed hands through subsequent by elections have been noted. Seats whose members have changed party allegiance are ignored.
= appears in two lists
Marginal seats by party (with winning parties and margins from the 2015 Trinidad and Tobago general election)
Opinion research in the run-up to the election was carried out by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) and the management consultancy HHB Associates, among others. A NACTA poll shortly after the election date was announced, found that, as in most previous elections, only PNM and UNC would play a role.[55] An HHB poll published July 25 in theTrinidad and Tobago Guardian found the ruling PNM at 53% and the UNC at 44%.[56] A NACTA poll from July 25, however, saw the UNC one percentage point ahead.[57] At this point in time, the tendency, known from previous elections, was that Trinidadians with African roots tend to choose the PNM and Trinidadians with Indian roots rather the UNC.
Voter demographic data for 2020 were collected by Solution by Simulation Ltd (SBS) for theTrinidad Express Newspapers completed by 473 likely voters in Trinidad and Tobago by phone and H.H.B. & Associates for theTrinidad and Tobago Guardian completed by 600 registered voters face-to-face suggested the following demographic breakdown:
2020 Trinidad & Tobago general election voter demographics (SBS)[73][86][87]
The organization of the election was subject to the state Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). There were noelection observers. Prime Minister Rowley revealed after the election that he had invited observers fromCARICOM and theCommonwealth of Nations, but they were unable to pay for the 14-day quarantine required of foreign visitors.[89]
The polling stations closed at 18:00 on election day.[90]
At 22:30 on Election Day, Prime Minister Keith Rowley declared his party the winner of the election with 22 seats.[91] UNC leader Persad-Bissessar declared wins in 19 seats, taking the Moruga/Tableland seat from the PNM and the St. Augustine seat from the COP.[92] She disagreed with Rowley's victory declaration and objected to the long delays at polling stations.[93]
In total, six seats won by the PNM were disputed: the UNC requested recounts for five constituencies in Trinidad (San Fernando West, St Joseph, Tunapuna, Toco-Sangre Grande and La Horquetta/Talparo),[94] while the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) requested a recount in Tobago East.[95] The EBC took one week to conduct the recounts, observing only minor changes from the preliminary vote counts: the largest change was an increase of 103 votes for the UNC in San Fernando West. The counts for the other districts differed by ten votes or fewer.[7] Rowley and the new PNM cabinet were then sworn in byPresidentPaula-Mae Weekes on the following day, August 19. The ceremony was held atPresident's House.[10]
President of Trinidad and TobagoPaula-Mae Weekes in her address "wished the Prime Minister and his Cabinet success in the delivery of their mandate and urged them to get down to the serious business of the good governance of the people of Trinidad and Tobago."[96][97][98]
“Prime Minister, your success at the polls is an indication of the confidence that the people of Trinidad and Tobago have in your stewardship and the plans you have outlined for their future,” AmbassadorLaRocque said in his congratulatory message to Dr. Rowley.[99][100]
CARICOM Chairman andPrime Minister of Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesRalph Gonsalves tweeted: "Congratulations to my brother and friend Dr Keith Rowley and the PNM team on their electoral victory last night. We look forward to growing our already strong relationship with the government and people of TT."[101][102]
Prime Minister of Saint LuciaAllen Chastanet, in a statement expressed: "Congratulations to Dr. Keith Rowley and the People's National Movement on their new mandate to continue serving Trinidad & Tobago for 5 more years. We wish you, your team and the people of T&T great success throughout this new term and we look forward to working together to build a more united and prosperous region 🇱🇨🇹🇹"[103][104][105]
TheMinistry of Foreign Affairs (Belize) tweeted: "Congratulations to Hon. @DrKeithRowley on his successful re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago @OPM_TT during yesterday's general elections held in challenging circumstances occasioned by the #COVID19 pandemic "[106]
Prime Minister of Antigua and BarbudaGaston Browne in a letter sent congratulations to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on his impending re-election, stating "I wish your Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago every good fortune as you continue to the task of strengthening your great country.”[107][108]
Prime Minister of GrenadaKeith Mitchell congratulated Prime Minister Rowley indicating that "the results show that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are confident in Dr Rowley's leadership abilities, and are looking to you for continued direction to steer the country further along the path of development. With the support of his Cabinet and people, I am confident Dr Rowley will succeed in pushing forward the country's agenda, so that everyone can benefit.'[109][110]
Leader of the largest opposition party in GrenadaFranka Bernardine on behalf of her partyNational Democratic Congress and the people of Grenada congratulated Prime Minister Rowley on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago noting 'the use of the virtual platform was new and added a unique dynamic to an already robust and grounded PNM team. The sharp focus and hard work of your campaign team were, no doubt vital to your success.'"[111][112]
Premier of MontserratJoseph Farrell issued a diplomatic note stating “It is truly my great honour, on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, to extend best wishes to you and the People's National Movement (PNM) in the fulfillment of this high office for which you were successfully returned for another term.”[115]
Secretary-GeneralGeorges Rebelo Chikoti congratulated the Prime Minister Keith Rowley, on his party's victory at the polls and on his re-election for a second term as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.paying special congratulations to the candidates and that the people of the twin island nation, "through this election, have once again demonstrated their commitment to democracy, peace and stability."[117]
TheMinistry of Communication and Information andMinister of Foreign AffairsJorge Arreaza tweeted a statement fromPresident of VenezuelaNicolás Maduro[118] using their official accounts where he extended "congratulations to the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, for the successful holding of the general elections held on Monday, August 10, 2020, in which Prime Minister Keith Rowley was re-elected."[119][120] President Maduro subsequently phoned Prime Minister Keith Rowley to congratulate him, exchanging experiences in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to impressions of the bilateral agenda."[121]
President of NicaraguaDaniel Ortega andVice President of NicaraguaRosario Murillo sent a message to Prime Minister Keith Rowley on his victory in the elections writing "with Fraternal Solidarity we celebrate your Triumph yesterday, Monday, August 10, which accredits and confirms You and your Party, the People's National Movement (PNM), for a New Mandate to lead and accompany your People, in these complex Times, with Stability, Work, Health and Peace."[122]
TheCanadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago using their official Twitter account expressed: "Congratulations to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Canada looks forward to advancing our longstanding friendship and continuing to collaborate in areas important to both Canada and #TrinidadAndTobago."
Western Hemisphere Affairs Assistant SecretaryMichael Kozak using his official Twitter account expressed: "Today the people of Trinidad and Tobago swear in a prime minister, elected in a transparent process that accurately reflects their will. The United States congratulates @DrKeithRowley on his election victory, & wishes the people of Trinidad and Tobago continuing prosperity."[123]
British High Commissioner Tim Stew using his official Twitter account expressed: "Congratulations @DrKeithRowley on your re-election success! T&T 🇹🇹 & the UK 🇬🇧 enjoy a strong partnership. I look forward to that partnership depending & prospering in the years ahead."[126][127][citation needed]
Councilor and subsequently Mayor of theLondon Borough of Haringey, atwin town ofArima, Adam Jogee using his official Twitter account expressed his congratulations noting that the re-election was a " solid win for our sister party after a spirited campaign!"
TheEmbassy of Mexico in Trinidad and Tobago using its official Twitter account sent congratulations to the new government of Trinidad and Tobago.[128][129]
Premier of the People's Republic of ChinaLi Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Keith Rowley noting the 46 friendly years of diplomatic relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago and that the two countries opened a new page in the history of bilateral friendship by supporting each other in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.[130][131][132]
^abBahaw, Darren (18 August 2020)."Rowley's new Cabinet".Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved20 August 2020.
^abBridglal, Carla (2 September 2019)."Garvin Nicholas brings back MND".Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.Archived from the original on 14 September 2019. Retrieved21 August 2020.
^"Our History".Movement for Social Justice.Archived from the original on 5 September 2020. Retrieved21 August 2020.
^abDiaz, Abraham (15 July 2020)."NCT announces two candidates".Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.Archived from the original on 16 July 2020. Retrieved21 August 2020.
^Douglas, Sean (12 August 2020)."Rekha Ramjit resigns from ILP".Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved21 August 2020.
^"Prakash quits as COP leader".The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. 19 February 2016.Archived from the original on 2 February 2020. Retrieved1 February 2020.
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Tobago:Chief Secretary of TobagoAncil Dennis issued "congratulations to Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley and his new Cabinet".[citation needed]
CARICOM
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Lucia
Belize
Antigua and Barbuda
Grenada
St. Kitts and Nevis
Guyana
Montserrat
Organization of American States
Venezuela
Nicaragua
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
Mexico
China
Japan
