No People's National Movement (PNM) prospective candidate was chosen for the Chaguanas East constituency last night.
PNM general secretary confirmed that when he addressed the media after 10pm.
Angry party members told the T&T Guardian earlier that members of the Chaguanas East constituency executive walked out of a meeting with the screening committee, chaired by party leader Dr Keith Rowley at Balisier House. The constituency chairman remained in the meeting with the screening committee.
Sources said the members were frustrated by an alleged attempt by the committee to have Deowatie Lalman, a nominee who was not supported by the constituency executive approved as the candidate.
Ford said as he emerged: "We have been deliberating on the recommendations of the constituencies (and) in the case of Chaguanas East, again no result "
Ford said, "We had a long discussion with the Chaguanas East constituency and they are making every effort to get the appropriate nominee to come for screening."
In response to questions on the matter, Ford said Chaguanas East had asked for more time. "Really, that's a different situation and they are looking diligently and we hope they will come up with somebody in the shortest possible time."
He denied that the screening committee was insisting on Lalman as the candidate. "No, no... there was normal recommendations and as with every other constituency, when you don't get who you want you feel annoyed."
Ford said, "We held discussions with the chairman (constituency) and he agreed to go back and see if he can get somebody new."
Ford told the media: "No one was chosen. He said the party's leadership will determine the amount of additional time to be given to Chaguanas East to find a suitable nominee.
Party leader Dr Keith Rowley expressed his satisfaction with the PNM's candidate selection process. Speaking with reporters outside Balisier House last night, Rowley said the process was expected to be completed last night "but we still have one more outstanding constituency. We have done 40. We have done quite well and we're quite pleased with that."