UNC nomination Day Sunday for March 24 election

Candidates for the internal election of the United National Congress (UNC) have until four p.m. Sunday to complete their registration with the party's election officials at the Rienzi Complex.

The basic qualification for anyone who wishes to run for one of the 17 positions is that the person must be a member of the party in good standing. The post of leader is not being contested.

The present executive is:

• Political Leader: Kamla Persad-Bissessar
• Deputy Political Leader (1): Lyndira Oudit
• Deputy Political Leader (2): Roodal Moonilal
• Deputy Political Leader (3): Suruj Rambachan
• Chairman: Jack Warner
• Deputy Chairman: Fuad Khan
• Treasurer: William Archie
• Party Organiser: Vinush Maharaj
• Policy and Strategy Officer: Colin Partap
• Research Officer: Arnold Ram
• Education Officer: Daphne Phillips
• Elections Officer: Ramona Ramdial
• International Relations Officer: Shane Mohammed
• Regional Representative: Tobago: Barrington "Skippy" Thomas
• Regional Representative: North West: Don Sylvester
• Regional Representative - Central: Sylvester Ramquar
• Regional Representative - North East: Taran Sooklal
• Regional Representative - South: Shanty Boodram

Jack Warner announced last week he is running again for the chairman's post. He told reporters Saturday he is confident of victory based on all the positive feedback he has been getting from party members.

Ramona Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial is also seeking re-election as elections officer. 

Deputy Chairman Fuad Khan is not sure if he will seek any post citing the immense about of time required in his ministerial position. However he told local media Saturday party members have been telling him to contest one of the three Deputy Leader positions.

Former UNC leader Basdeo Panday is supporting and advising a group called Generation Next. He has said the group will run a full slate of candidates but has not provided any names so far. 

There is speculation that his politician daughter, former Oropouche West MP Mickela Panday, will run for one of the Deputy Leader posts. However she said in recent local media interview that she has doubts about it since she believes the election won't be free and fair. However she did not offer any evidence to support her view.