Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 07/Aug 04:20

Dr Rowley’s signals

ON JULY 1, the Prime Minister had a message for Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “I do not intend to call the election very soon,” said Dr Rowley while on his legs debating bail legislation in Parliament. “You will have to be here for a little while longer in that seat.” But a few weeks later, the PNM leader had a different signal to send to his party, not just about the election due by 2025 but also his future. “In an election year, any month, any day is election day,” he said at a Diego Martin constituency event on August 3. He further described what he wished his legacy to be: “While I was leader of the PNM, I ensured that at the appropriate time, the appropriate transition was made and the PNM, the organisation of the PNM, is left in good hands.” Talk of a snap election is not new. But with these remarks, Dr Rowley has underlined a fresh question. Who will lead the PNM into the next poll? Despite the PM’s assertions, the ruling party has, in fact, been raising clear election red flags. The intense local government by-election campaign; the barrage of party mobilisations, extending now to the constituency level; the shake-up of the Ministry of National Security after three years; the glut of legislation rushed prior to the fixed recess; the constitutional reform exercise – all are among the many signs. While much attention has been paid to the choice of UNC leadership, it is worth pointing out the question of PNM leadership is not any less relevant, particularly because of how frequently Dr Rowley hints of his exit. He did so in 2015, 2020 and even earlier this year. Looming behind the PNM’s experience on this issue is Dr Eric Williams. In 1973, Dr Williams, in a memorable episode in our political history, signalled his impending farewell, only to fend off challengers to his authority. There is a less Machiavellian way of looking at hints of retirement, however. Dr Rowley could be encouraging his officials to step up their game. Even Ms Persad-Bissessar has done something similar, holding on to leadership while also saying she wishes to finish the job then pass the baton to the next generation before she can rest. Doublespeak is also not new. Yet, the issues take on a different tenor when we consider a third Rowley term would end with him at 80. Ms Persad-Bissessar would then be 78. As recent US experience shows, it is a mistake to underestimate the role of age. Of course, any prime minister can hand over to a successor while in office. “A week,” Dr Rowley also said on July 1, “is a long time in politics.” The electorate should be so guided. The post Dr Rowley’s signals appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.