We don't like it so!

If the news from the UNC camp is as upbeat as it is reported in the media then it's a quantum leap in the opposition and an opportunity for it to direct its energies on what is most important - demanding accountability from the Manning administration and making representation on behalf of the tens of thousands who don't accept the present government.

It is also an opportunity to reiterate the UNC's "Open Tent" policy of welcoming everyone, thereby uniting the opposition.

Unity is an important component of any strategy to unseat the current administration because although the People's National Movement won 26 of the 41 seats in the House of Representatives in November 2007, its strong majority came with support from a minority of the electorate.

Here's a quick glance of what happened on Nov. 5, 2007:

• People's National Movement 299,813 ( 45.85%) - 26 seats
  
• UNC-Alliance 194,425 (29.73%) - 15 seats
  
• Congress of the People 148,041 (22.64%) - 0 seats
  
• Democratic Action Congress 8,801 (1.35%) - 0 seats
  
• Democratic National Assembly 376 (0.01%) - 0 seats
  
• Independents 120 (0.00%) - 0 seats
  
• Total valid (turnout 66%) 651,576 (100%) - 41 seats
  
• Invalid 2,306
• Total 653,882

Our first-past-the post system gave a commanding majority to the PNM with just under 46 per cent of the popular vote while the majority of 53 per cent who voted against the ruling party remained in opposition.

It's not rocket science to conclude that a united opposition combining the UNC-Alliance and the Congress of the People (COP) would attract more support than the PNM and that a unitary party that doesn't split the vote would likely put Manning and his team in opposition.

But the critical issue now is timing. A local government election is imminent and it would be a test of the opposition.

If the warring parties are willing to call a truce and deal with the issues that bother the so-called dissidents Ramesh L. Maharaj and Jack Warner then there is a bright light at the end of the political tunnel.

There is tremendous talent in both camps and no is no reason - absolutely none - that should prevent these men and women from creating a united front to deal with the nation's most pressing issues, become a true alternative to the current administration and eventually take charge of Whitehall.

And there is more talent in the wings waiting to take on the challenge on behalf of the people if they could only be convinced that the opposition behaves as a mature and responsible political movement.

Compromise is the essence of any successful negotiating process. Let us not delude ourselves into believing that the hurdles are easy to overcome, but determined leaders who put people and the nation first can and must find a solution to these problems.

Within the UNC there is the strongly held view that the party has not kept in tune with the times and is not ready to harness the communication tools needed to convince the electorate that it can govern. It doesn't even have an up-to-date website, for example. And there is also the issue of leadership.

Basdeo Panday remains a powerful force and no matter what convulsions and changes take place they won't yield the desired results unless they have Panday's blessings. That's a fact. No amount of rhetoric and propaganda will change that. Remember what happened in 2007 and you'll understand what I mean.

The man who is the mouthpiece for change, Jack Warner, remains adamant that his problem is not with Panday. That was also his position in 2007 and he stood with Panday and helped the UNC-Alliance win 15 seats when almost every expert and political commentator had already crowned the COP and written the epitaph for Panday and the UNC.

And Warner made that very clear Wednesday when he said he would willingly follow the leader if that leader is Panday. Warner's point is this: the UNC is a democratic party with clear rules on selecting the leadership. Let the people decide and move on.

The party would have to find a compromise on the issue, perhaps agree to make some of the critical changes now and defer the leadership issue for a while.

Warner would likely accept that if he is convinced that the party is genuinely embracing change and preparing for government. The Chaguanas West MP did not enter politics to sit in the opposition and he certainly has the credentials, qualities and track record to be in government.

That's one part of the political equation.

The more contentious issue is unity. Panday has offered an olive branch to the COP more than once since the last election but so far COP is holding on to its pre-election stand - it won't do business with Panday as UNC leader.

So where do we go from here?

Three hundred and fifty thousand people - more than half of the electorate - voted against the PNM just 16 months ago. Since then the Manning administration has turned off even some of its loyal supporters, especially since Manning fired Keith Rowley.

The latest scandal involving CL financial and the minister of finance is adding to the disenchantment and Manning's autocratic style is not winning friends for his ruling party.

There is every opportunity today for a united, responsible opposition to stand up and take on the government. It is the duty of every responsible politician to put everything else aside and stand up for the nation.

And it is duty and responsibility of every citizen to demand no less. In the final analysis people power is the most powerful weapon in a democracy. And thankfully, Trinidad and Tobago is still one.

But the price of freedom is eternal vigilance; now is not the time for apathy. Now is the time for citizens to stand up and shout to their leaders from every corner of the nation, "We don't like it so."