Overview

• Kamla Persad-Bissessar, 73, has been confirmed as Trinidad and Tobago's new prime minister, marking a political comeback after serving in the role from 2010 to 2015.
• The United National Congress (UNC) defeated the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in a snap election triggered by former PM Keith Rowley’s resignation in March.
• The election was held against a backdrop of surging crime, with 624 homicides recorded in 2024, and economic struggles tied to US sanctions on Venezuelan-linked gas projects.
• Persad-Bissessar campaigned on promises to address public safety, create jobs, increase public wages, and improve access to education and healthcare services.
• The UNC’s victory signals a shift in voter sentiment, with class concerns cutting across traditional ethnic divides in the twin-island nation.