A sombre mood hovered over the Congress of the People’s (COP) headquarters in Charlieville, Chaguanas, last night as the final results were declared, with victory going to the People’s National Movement (PNM).
The COP was only able to secure one out of eight seats it contested, with leader Prakash Ramadhar being able to retain his position as the Member for Parliament for the St Augustine constituency.
Up to midnight there was a poor turnout of supporters at the COP camp.
The few supporters present were either propping their heads on chairs as they viewed the electoral coverage on television or were seen congregating in small groups discussing the results.
Ramadhar, who was stuck in traffic for over one hour, arrived minutes to midnight.
After listening to the PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley’s victory speech, Ramadhar spoke to reporters, saying that he hoped Rowley would be heartfelt and true to his words.
“If he is truthful he will have the full cooperation,” Ramadhar said.
Explaining his statement further, he said if Rowley was serious about ensuring healing he would get every vote in Parliament from the Opposition for proportional representation and constitutional reform.
“We will respect the Government of the day and we expect respect in return,” Ramadhar said.
With respect to the COP’s “electoral blow,” as he described it, Ramadhar said the COP would continue to stand for what was right for the people of T&T.