UNC proposes Jan 24 for internal election

The national executive of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) has proposed January 24, 2010 as the date for the party’s internal elections.

Vice Chairman Vasant Bharath made the announcement Thursday, saying the decision was made at Wednesday's meeting of the executive.

The St Augustine MP chaired the meeting in the absence of political leader and chairman, Basdeo Panday who is in Tanzania attending the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference.

Bharath said the meeting also ratified an earlier proposal that the party’s National Congress be held on October 25.

He said at that meeting members would propose that a meeting of the National Assembly, the party’s highest decision making body be held on November 25 at the party's Rienzi Complex headquarters.

The dissident group of UNC members led by Deputy Leader Jack Warner is proposing its own assembly to be held on November 29. And it has cautioned the national executive that it risks legal action if it goes ahead with any congress.

In a letter threatening legal action Warner questioned the legality of the party's list of financial members and requested an updated and accurate list, which he has not yet received.

Read the story: Warner challenges 'bogus' UNC list...

Commenting on the internal elections Bharath said all posts would be contested, including those of chairman and political leader. He expects a keen contest.

"I expect the democratic process to be at work in the party because all of the different positions would be available, so I expect people to throw their hats into the ring,” he said.

It is not clear of any of the three RAMJACK MPs will be allowed to contest any posts because of pending disciplinary action against all three - Warner, Ramesh L. Maharaj and Winston "Gypsy" Peters.