THE findings of an opinion poll conducted in Trinidad in late January by this writer showed that the opposition has no chance against the PNM in local government elections due by July. The poll found a nation despairing for political change but rejecting the divided Indian opposition in the form of the UNC and COP as viable alternatives to the ruling African-based PNM.

The findings showed that although voters (including the significant number of Guyanese living there) are disenchanted with the PNM, the incumbent party will win the next local (due in July) because of votersx rejection of the leadership of the opposition UNC (Basdeo Panday) and COP (Winston Dookeran).

Voters told the pollster they want a new leader who can bring the divided nation together and govern in the interests of the entire country instead of a select few. So in spite of all the negative publicity impacting on the PNM in an ongoing corruption investigation and all the other problems (crime, inflation, flooding, etc.) afflicting the country, voters still prefer Prime Minister Patrick Manning over a distrusted Panday or a neophyte Dookeran.

According to the findings of the survey, when asked who they would prefer as Prime Minister, Manning received 35% compared with Panday at 17% and Dookeran at 15% but a whopping 33% prefer someone else.

The poll showed that the PNM has lost support over its handling of crime, rising cost of living, flooding, overall deterioration of living standard, ministerial arrogance, and the decline in good governance, transparency and accountability in public office. Only 14% answered in the affirmative. But voters believe that a united opposition can defeat the PNM in both the local and general elections.

The poll shows both COP and UNC are losing their political base to apathy with voters angry over their refusal to pursue reforms and accept new ideas, partners and leaders.

The UNC is hurt by Pandayxs many legal troubles and the infighting in the party and Pandayxs attack on his own deputies Jack Warner and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj. Voters express gratitude to Jack and Ramesh for forcing the Prime Minister to launch a commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption.

When asked how they will vote if the leadership in the parties remain unchanged, PNM leads UNC 34% to 19% with COP trailing at 12%. But a staggering 35% are undecided saying they want a new political outfit with a new leader citing the rise of US President Barack Obama as the motivation for change in T&T. A huge plurality of voters (most Guyanese included) say they prefer to be governed by a new political vehicle led by a caring, trustworthy individual who will have the interest of the nation at heart rather than their own self-interest.
VISHNU BISRAM