UNC getting ready for internal election Jan. 24

The United National Congress (UNC) is holding its National Assembly on Sunday at which it is expected to ratify decisions taken at its Congress last month, including a proposal to hold the long-overdue internal election on Jan. 24, 2010.

In an internal memo from the party's secretariat to officials the UNC is advising that the election will be held next January.

The memo states: "As you are aware, the Party's Internal Election is scheduled to be held on Sunday January 24th, 2010.

"In this context, you are hereby advised that the cut-off date for registration of members for the purpose of voting in the said elections (to elect persons to offices on the National Executive of the Party) is on Friday December 18th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Forms are to be submitted to the Head Office, Rienzi Complex.

"You are kindly asked to immediately bring this information to the attention of all prospective members and all members of the Party belonging to your organ or constituency."

The memo is signed by Glenn Ramadharsingh, Ag. General Secretary.

So far the only person who has indicated that he would be running for office is Jack Warner, one of three deputy leaders of the UNC.

Warner has said he would run for the post of Chairman.

Basdeo Panday currently holds the posts of UNC leader and party chairman. Panday has not confirmed if he will be contesting any position but he told supporters if they want him to be leader he would run against any challenger.

At the congress last month one delegate told Panday to step aside and hand over the leadership to deputy leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Panday promised that the recommendation would be considered.

There is some doubt about how the party's political affairs will proceed beyond Sunday's assembly.

Warner had written to the party saying that both gatherings are illegal because they violate the party's constitution by using a membership list that is not valid. He has threatened to take legal action if necessary.

Read the story: Warner threatens legal action against UNC
Read related story: Jack complains of bogus UNC membership lists