Congress of the People (COP) leader Prakash Ramadhar says he will contest the St Augustine seat, even as citizens eagerly await the People’s Partnership’s announcement of its slate of general election candidates.
Ramadhar was responding to comments on social media that Trade and Communications Minister Vasant Bharath was the United National Congress’ choice for the St Augustine safe seat rather than he.
Dismissing the reports as “mischievous and misinformation,” Ramadhar said “the Prime Minister and I have spoken. St Augustine is the seat I ran in on the last occasion. I am the incumbent and I will run again in St Augustine unless I decide otherwise.”
He also has denied reports that the COP would fight the election alone.
“The party is preparing the six seats we now hold and as nominations are closed we will make a determination of candidates,” Ramadhar said on Friday.
Ramadhar could not say how many seats the COP was interested in fighting, which he said would have to be discussed with the leaders of the partnership after Parliament dissolved on June 17.
For the COP to contest the election as a single party, Ramadhar said, would be foolish and unwise.
“We need each other. One would only be arrogant if they could do it on their own. The COP under my leadership does not take that position.”
Questioned if he would step down as COP leader if the party failed to capture any seats in the election, Ramadhar said, “I will cross that bridge if it should happen. I will take a road to avoid that possibility and ensure that we do all things necessary for success.”
Ramadhar said the COP had done no wrong since joining the partnership, but would take responsibility for not communicating as well as it should have to citizens, so they could understand the party’s political position.
On Thursday, Tunapuna MP and founder of the COP Winston Dookeran sidestepped questions about his political future and the party he worked to build.
Asked if he thought it was wise for the COP to fight the general election as a single entity, Dookeran responded, “I don’t think it is appropriate for me to comment at this time on a specific matter like that.”
Questioned further if he had any intention of offering himself for re-election, Dookeran said, “I am not going to comment on that also. These things you do not talk about on the telephone.”
Dookeran said in due course he would discuss those matters and make his thoughts known. (SH)