Three nominees have been screened by the PNM for the two seats in the by-elections taking place in south Trinidad on June 17.
According to reports, the names of those selected would be announced subsequently.
The by-elections are to be held in the local government districts of Quinam/Morne Diablo in the Penal Debe Regional Corporation and the Lengua/Indian Walk district, which falls under the Princes Town Regional Corporation. The Quinam/Morne Diablo by-election was called following the death of councillor Diptee Ramnath last December.
The Lengua/ Indian Walk by-election arose after the results of the August 2023 Local Government election, when preliminary results indicated that the PNM candidate Autly Granthume won with 1,430 votes to UNC candidate Nicole Gopaul’s 1,425 votes. However, the outcome was challenged by the UNC. Recounts and ties occurred and the Election and Boundaries Commission ordered a fresh election.
Just last week, Government revealed the date for the by-elections.
A Guardian Media report claims the party’s 2023 candidate for Lengua/Indian Walk was tipped to get the nod again for the by-election.
The PNM’s screening committee was expected to be led by acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert, as political leader and screening committee head Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is currently overseas.