It's official. Ramadhar in three-way race to lead COP

Prakash Ramadhar made it official Tuesday. He announced that he is in the race to lead the Congress of the People (COP) in a three-way contest with his cabinet colleague Anil Roberts and COP's Vice Chairman, Vernon De Lima.

Nomination Day for the election is June 12. COP members will vote in a one-member, one-vote election on July 3.

COP's current leader, Winston Dookeran announced over the weekend that he will not be seeking re-election.

Ramadhar has promised to make COP stronger. "I have fought for you and stood with you. The next few years be critical for our party's growth and development," he told reporters. 

"I am prepared to work shoulder to shoulder with you to make sure our party grows and expands. I will therefore be contesting the post of Political Leader of the Congress of the People."

Ramadhar also made it clear that his fight is to lead the party, not to oppose anyone.

"I am contesting for leadership, I am not contesting against anyone. Anil has been a friend of mine and I expect we will continue to be. He is entitled, like anybody, if he believes he is worthy of leadership of this party, to put himself forward. The membership of the party will make the decision as to who will lead them."

Ramadhar said the challenge for COP's new leader will be to remain an influential and powerful member of the Government, not a leader of the opposition in waiting.