UNC reviewing party constitution ahead of executive elections

--> The United National Congress is conducting a review of its constitution and will hold its internal election after that exercise is completed and endorsed by the party’s National Executive (NATEX).

That decision was taken at a meeting of NATEX held at the party’s headquarters at Rienzi Complex, Couva on Wednesday, 05 February, 2014.

According to the party’s current constitution internal elections are held every two years for all members of the executive except the political leader; the leadership election is held every three years.

NATEX discussed the forthcoming election and agreed that it would allow an internal constitution review committee to complete its work and submit its report and recommendations to NATEX for consideration and approval before the end of March, 2014. The elections would be held after that at a date to be fixed.

NATEX has mandated the review committee to undertake its work in the context of the changing political landscape globally and to also consider changes in relation to the draft recommendations of the Constitution Review Commission that was recently published for public comment. 

In a media release, the party said: "The draft contains a significant philosophical shift in the way we think about politics, government and governance and will undoubtedly create the opportunity for agreement among the stakeholders that will guide and inform the final draft for approval by the legislature. NATEX believes that this presents the ideal opportunity for the party to review its constitution, which was written by the party’s founders 25 years ago.

"An important matter for consideration is the recent political challenges that have demonstrated the necessity to facilitate coalition methodologies and engagement of other political parties in order to create a more inclusive society (and party) that will be respectful and tolerant of other political views both inside and outside the party in order to build a stronger party and nation.

"The constitution reform team will submit to NATEX a report and a draft constitution for consideration before the NATEX Meeting in mid-March. The objective is to have the new constitution ratified and operational before we celebrate our 25th Anniversary on April 24th 2014."