Rowley launches PNM internal election campaign with Laventille walkabout

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley on Saturday launched the campaign to the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) for internal elections with a meeting Laventille, making the first walkabout since taking over the party from former Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

The Guardian reported that Rowley got a warm reception from many people who came out to hug and greet him while others waved from windows in the poverty and crime stricken PNM stronghold. He was accompanied by the MP for the area, Nileung Hypolite and former T&T High Commissioner to Canada, Camille Robinson-Regis.

The PNM leader told reporters is party is committed to educating and informing citizens, the Guardian reported. 

"We are in the process of reorganising and restructuring the PNM following the election defeat. We are moving to strengthen the Opposition and we need to stay in contact with people and ensure that we let them know we represent their interests as a political organisation,” Rowley said.

Unlike the United National Congress (UNC) and the Congress of the People (COP) that hold their internal election through a one-member-one-vote system, the PNM operates on a delegate style. 

The convention was cancelled from last November because some senior party officials said it was difficult to get the required number of delegates to attend.

The party’s convention is scheduled for March 20. The election does not include the post of political leader.