Chairman of the United National Congress (UNC) Khadijah Ameen says despite the unpopularity of Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, the Congress of the People still wants to contest the San Fernando West seat.
In an interview yesterday, Ameen said she has been working in the constituency over the past few months and was aware of the complaints made about Seepersad-Bachan.
“Our UNC team in the constituency has been successful in working with several stakeholders, including businesspeople, professionals, grassroot supporters, sporting associations and others so I am very aware of the negative sentiments they feel towards the sitting MP,” Ameen said.
She explained that while some supporters acknowledged the benefits of government’s plans and policies, others made it clear they did not support Seepersad-Bachan.
She said the People’s Partnership now had to find ways to work together to win back favour in the marginal constituency.
Even though constituents were clamouring for a UNC representative, Ameen said negotiations have not started to determine which party would contest the seat.
“As part of the partnership, we have been working with our partners on the ground in various constituencies. However, the COP will have to decide who the candidate will be and whether they will want to contest the seat,” she added.
Ameen added that concerns expressed by constituents would be taken into account during the negotiations.
She added that some UNC MPs who represented surrounding districts have given a commitment to work with the party to regain popularity in the San Fernando West constituency.