Kamla Persad-Bissessar leads UNC to historic win as PNM falls after 10 years in power
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — April 28, 2025 — The United National Congress (UNC) achieved a crushing triumph in the UNC election victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025, toppling the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) and signaling a seismic shift in the nation’s political landscape.
UNC political leader and Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared victory from her Siparia constituency office around 10:10 p.m., urging supporters to remain humble even as the party celebrated the sweeping results. She confirmed that the UNC had retained its 19 parliamentary seats and flipped several constituencies previously held by the PNM, although she refrained from officially declaring the specific gains pending the completion of ballot counting.
“We have a lot of work to do, so we are heading up now to [UNC] party headquarters,” Persad-Bissessar told cheering supporters. She emphasized the need for caution and humility as the final results were tallied, and noted that the two Tobago seats had been secured by the Tobago People’s Party (TPP).
Shortly afterward, a somber Dr. Keith Rowley conceded defeat at Balisier House, the PNM’s political headquarters. Flanked by outgoing Prime Minister Stuart Young and PNM deputy political leader Rohan Sinanan, Rowley acknowledged that preliminary numbers indicated the PNM would move into the Opposition with only 10 to 12 seats.
“Tonight is not a good night for the PNM, but it might be a good night for the people of TT,” Rowley said during his concession speech. He remarked that while the defeat was surprising, it was not unprecedented for the PNM, referencing previous losses in 1986, 1995, and 2010. “In this 70-year-old party, sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t win,” he said, vowing that the PNM would rebound as it had in the past.
Rowley added that the party’s general council would meet on Wednesday to begin selecting a new Opposition Leader, as the party prepares to reposition itself for the next general election in five years.
Outgoing Prime Minister Stuart Young, who served for a historic six-week period — the shortest tenure for a Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago’s history — also addressed the outcome. Describing the results as surprising, Young pledged to continue serving the nation from the Opposition benches.
The UNC’s massive win capped off a fiercely contested election cycle that saw both major parties battle for control amid a highly competitive political climate. For a detailed look at how the campaign unfolded ahead of the polls, read Unitedpac St Lucia News’ coverage here.
Regional Leaders Applaud UNC Election Victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025
The UNC’s overwhelming success has drawn congratulatory messages from across the Caribbean. In Saint Lucia, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet extended his congratulations via his official social media platform.
“The people of Trinidad & Tobago have spoken loud and clear. Congratulations to the Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar and the United National Congress on their resounding election victory. Wishing you strength and success on the journey ahead. Yellow is the code!” Chastanet wrote, signaling support for the new administration’s leadership and its broader implications for Caribbean unity.
New Political Landscape Takes Shape
The 2025 general election was the first conducted under new constituency boundaries, following extensive redistributions by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) that impacted 16 constituencies and renamed five. Seventeen political parties and three independents contested the election, contributing to a dynamic and highly competitive political environment.
As the UNC prepares to form its new government, Trinidad and Tobago braces for anticipated policy shifts aimed at addressing economic challenges, restoring public trust, and charting a new course for national development.
This report draws on information from Newsday Trinidad and Tobago.
For continuous updates on major Caribbean political developments, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News.
