Nacta: UNC Slips in Grande but gains in Tunapuna

The latest Nacta tracking opinion poll puts UNC ahead in some constituencies, as General Elections 2020 draws nearer…

The following is an official statement issued by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (Nacta), concerning its latest tracking opinion poll in the run-up to the 2020 General Elections in Trinidad and Tobago…

Nacta: UNC Slips in Grande but gains in Tunapuna

The findings of latest tracking opinion poll being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (Nacta) finds the opposition UNC is slipping in support in the marginal constituency of Toco/Sangre Grande but gaining momentum in Tunapuna from similar surveys conducted last February. Preliminary findings reveal UNC under pressure in some other marginal constituencies inclusive of Barataria and Pointe-a-Pierre. To stop the bleeding in support in the East-West corridor and buttress its chance nationally, supporters advise selection of national high profile and eminent candidates in St. Augustine and Cumuto/Manzanilla and elsewhere that borders key marginal seats. The introduction of fresh faces in marginals has given the party a makeover to attract crossover support. The poll also finds Dr Roodal Moonilal is rated as the best and most effective debater in Parliament, with the Government bench targeting him with varied stratagems in the hope of silencing him.

The latest ongoing tracking poll, being conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram, comprises of 164 respondents of Toco/Grande from last Sunday and of 216 respondents in Tunapuna over the last two weeks. The respondents surveyed generally reflect the demographics of the constituencies. Only data from likely voters are included in the findings. Other constituencies are being surveyed.

Based on the poll in Toco/Grande, the UNC has moved from an upswing of a tie against the unpopular Glenda Jennings in February, to a downswing. Some three-quarters of the voters never heard of UNC candidate Nabila Greene to give her a favourable or unfavourable rating. This compares with one-third for PNM candidate Roger Munroe to give him a rating.  Munroe is an alderman of the Borough Corporation. In popular support, PNM leads UNC 42% to 32% with 6% for minor parties. A fifth of the voters are still undecided with many saying they are not dismissing minor parties. With so many undecided voters, the prospect for a UNC victory cannot be ruled out.

In Tunapuna, the PNM’s Esmond Forde remains the favorite against challenger David Nakhid who has been gaining momentum because of his celebrity status as a popular footballer. Forde is praised for being the best MP perhaps in the constituency’s history, and nationally, during the current parliamentary term, for attending to constituent’s issues and interacting with them. Some dissatisfaction in the constituency allows the UNC to close a 11% deficit in February to only 7% since Nakhid was announced as candidate. PNM leads 47% to 40%, with minor parties polling 2%, and 11% undecided or refusing to disclose voter preference.

Overall, voters from both parties welcome the changes in the elections line up replacing unpopular incumbents as candidates. The UNC leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar, gets kudos for bringing in newer faces and youths, but supporters feel the party should retain some experienced stalwarts for its front bench including Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Rushton Paray, Fazal Karim, among others. The trio received satisfactory ratings in service to constituencies. Supporters of the opposition UNC feel that Moonilal drives fears in the government bench with his sharp tongue laced with witty remarks. Moonilal, a veteran knowledgeable and experienced in parliamentary practice, is grudgingly praised by even PNM supporters. On the government side, Dr. Keith Rowley and Colm Imbert are rated as the best debaters even by UNC supporters.

Dr. Rowley and the government have received soaring favourability ratings for handling of low Covid infections. But Kamla’s challenge cannot be underrated as she is praised for compassion in championing distribution of hampers and face masks for the poor. Her fate could very well depend on the selection of candidates in so-called ‘safe’ seats since those chosen in marginals, except for La Horquetta, are neophytes with virtually nil political experience.

CNC3 Editor
WRITTEN BY

CNC3 Editor

Television station in Trinidad and Tobago. Free to Air everywhere... Trinidad: Channels 12 VHF &14 Cable Viewers can continue to view us on Channel 3 Tobago: TRICO Cable Channel 3 and Free to Air on Channel 22 LIVE STREAM: https://www.cnc3.co.tt/livestream