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Trinidad and Tobago PM steps aside

Screenshot 2025 01 18 At 10.16.49 pm
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley (photo: courtesy of The office of the Prime Minister)

So, Prime Minister Rowley has taken the decision to step down as the leader of Trinidad and Tobago. The decision of a sitting prime minister to step down just before an election is a highly controversial and consequential one, carrying both potential advantages and significant risks. In this case, where the political landscape has long been characterized by vibrant and sometimes turbulent electoral cycles, the question of whether Rowley should step down prior to an election deserves careful consideration. There are various factors to weigh, from party dynamics to national stability, and the long-term implications for governance.

Positives to a PM stepping down before an election

I know many people will be asking why, and so am I. One of the most compelling arguments in favour of a prime minister stepping down just before an election is the opportunity to introduce new leadership. If the incumbent prime minister’s popularity has waned, or if there has been growing discontent among the public or the political party, a new leader could energize the electorate and offer a fresh vision. New leadership might allow the party to reconnect with voters, particularly younger generations or disillusioned segments of the population who currently feel that the current leadership has not addressed their needs.

Second, in instances where internal divisions or infighting have weakened the political party, a leadership change could serve to restore cohesion. The outgoing prime minister might be seen as the source of factionalism within the party, and stepping down could pave the way for a more unified front in the lead-up to the elections. A new leader may bring different perspectives and strategies that could mend rifts within the party and present a more unified position to the electorate.

Where the prime minister has become a liability for the party, his stepping down could be a tactical move aimed at increasing the chances of electoral success. By having a new leader at the helm, the party can potentially distance itself from unpopular policies or leadership controversies that may have diminished public support. A change in leadership could also allow the party to reframe the election as a choice for a new direction, rather than a referendum on the outgoing prime minister’s tenure. Maybe it’s from the playbook of the “west” where great men step aside for others to lead. The act of voluntarily relinquishing power could be perceived as an act of humility and selflessness, showing the prime minister’s willingness to put the country’s needs above personal ambition. This could shift the narrative and enable the prime minister to leave office on a more favourable note, particularly if the timing allows for the party to recover and reposition itself for success.

Risks of a PM stepping down just before an election

On the contrary, one of the most significant risks of stepping down just before an election is the potential for political instability. A change in leadership during an election cycle can cause confusion and uncertainty among voters. The transition period might lead to questions about the continuity of policy and governance, especially when the prime minister is well-known, and the new leader has little experience or name recognition. This instability can create an environment of uncertainty that could drive voters away, ultimately damaging the party’s chances in the election.

Maybe it’s the fear of the opposition gaining significant momentum and is increasingly seen as a credible alternative to frustrated voters. The Prime Minister might feel that stepping down is the best way to give the party a fighting chance. If the opposition’s popularity is rising rapidly and the prime minister cannot effectively counter the challenge, a leadership change could provide an opportunity for the ruling party to reset and adjust its electoral approach. This move might be motivated by the belief that a new leader with a different political style or stronger public appeal could better contest the growing opposition challenge.

Ultimately, the decision by Prime Minister Rowley to step down just before an election remains perplexing. Regardless of the underlying cause, such a decision has far-reaching implications for both the political party and the country. Therefore, it requires careful consideration of both short-term and long-term consequences, as well as the broader political context in which it occurs.

Subrina Hall-Azih is an educator.

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