PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Any forecast the Chaguanas West by-election campaign outcome will show both the People’s Partnership and the spin-off Independent Liberal Party (ILP) to have been brought low in the course of the exercise. Former MP Jack Warner was moved to renew the unsurpassed electoral mandate received in May 2010. The by-election, triggered by his resignation, was meant to test his continuing political and electoral strength in the constituency. The by-election move was a gamble in the face of imponderables, key among which was availability to him of the United National Congress (UNC) banner. The UNC, however, selected Khadijah Ameen, and this choice appears to have the blessing of the Partnership. Political leader and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has since been leading the party’s assault against what had looked like Mr Warner’s well-defended constituency citadel.
