PNM rates poorly in development

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SHALIZA HASSANALI

While the People’s National Movement (PNM) is in a clear lead over the United National Congress (UNC) for the Moruga/Tableland seat in the August 10 general election, a recent poll has shown the PNM’s developmental performance in this rural constituency over the last five years has been poor.

The findings were contained in a recent HHB and Associated Limited poll.

The survey, conducted by the firm’s managing director Louis Bertrand was commissioned by Guardian Media.

The poll focused on Moruga/Tableland-the first of six marginal constituencies for next month’s election.

Voters were questioned on issues- ranging from major issues influencing the vote, best party capable of solving problems, the general progress of country and people, performance in the constituency (PNM) and (UNC) assessment of candidates, opinion of candidates, reasons for the ratings and voting intentions.

In Thursday’s T&T Guardian, the poll showed that PNM’s Moruga/Tableland candidate Winston “Gypsy” Peters has a clear lead over UNC candidate Michelle Benjamin.

Although Peters is ahead in the election race, the poll found high negatives for voters.

This seat is crucial for both parties in next month’s poll, as it has changed hands in the last two general elections.

Yesterday, the T&T Guardian reported that respondents in the community are not concerned about illegal Venezuelan immigrants entering our shores through the back door.

The electors are also not worried about “letting foreign nationals come home.”

In examining the final part of the poll, respondents were asked to rate the performance of the PNM/UNC in the development of the constituency since 2015.

Respondents gave the PNM a 35 per cent “good” rating to the UNC’s 29 per cent.

“On the other hand, more respondents considered the PNM’s performance to be bad (39 per cent) compared with the UNC’s 31 per cent,” the poll stated.

Under “neutral” performance the PNM and UNC received 25 and 32 per cent respectively.

Two per cent reported “don’t know” for the PNM while the UNC obtained eight per cent.

Respondents also indicated how they “personally fared compared with five years ago.”

With respect to personal fortunes, “just over one third (38 per cent) reported that they were personally worse off today than five years ago,” the poll stated.

Also, 33 per cent claimed their personal situation had not changed, while 30 per cent stated that they were better off.