In what has been characterised as one of the longest Local Government Elections campaigns in recent memory, a conclusion has yet to be reached thirteen days after the expected end. The Electoral District of Lengua/Indian Walk in the Princes Town Regional Corporation remains undecided, as two recounts have resulted in a tie, with both candidates receiving 1428 votes each. The UNC has contested the Election and Boundaries Commission’s decision to call a by-election in Lengua/Indian Walk, arguing that there are legal provisions allowing the correction of a Presiding Officer’s error in the presence of EBC and polling station officials.
In the 2023 campaign, both parties began with 68 electoral districts each (UNC and PNM) from the 2019 Local Government Elections. In 2023, two new seats were added, one in the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation and another in the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation. Changes in electoral district boundaries and names also occurred.
Observers noted that this campaign saw a clash of national and local issues. Many believed that candidates should have had more visibility and speaking opportunities on political platforms to connect with voters. The election marked a forty-year low in voter turnout, with only 30.3% of eligible voters participating. Despite the low turnout, upsets occurred in multiple seats, challenging established strongholds.
While the Lengua/Indian Walk situation remains unresolved, the current unofficial count places the PNM with 69 electoral districts across seven corporations, including Port of Spain and San Fernando. The UNC has 71 electoral districts, gaining three from the PNM in 2023. They also maintain seven corporations, retaining Chaguanas and now having a first-time Mayor in the newly established Siparia Borough.
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