The most recent Nacta poll reported that Dr Keith Rowley and Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar are running neck and neck in approval ratings for the next general election. Their stand on many issues have contributed to these results and based on the sample and margin of error they are both very close.
The Nacta poll is reflecting the view of a sample based on the leader of the Government versus the leader of the Opposition. In this instance we have observed over time that the Dr Keith Rowley continues to gain ground while Mrs Persad-Bissessar has been losing ground. While she has not lost enough ground to give Dr Rowley the lead, her stagnation in the polls reflect that people have started to look to her alternative.
The lineup of candidates and manifestos for the next general election will be a sure sign of whether these political parties intend to continue with the same old, same old type of politics or if anything new, dynamic and purposeful will emerge.
The youth population is waiting for something refreshing and inspiring. The involvement of youth in politics maybe a good step towards the reduction of corruption in public office. If given the opportunity those people who have benefited from free tertiary education and the like, hold the keys to adding a new dynamic to our politics.
The results of this election will be based largely on the middle class and swing voters. How middle class issues are addressed in terms of how goods and services reach and improve the lives of hard working citizens is critical. This race will not just be about who is popular but which policies are functionally beneficial to the tax paying citizens.
Ronald Huggins,
St Joseph