The Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) is pursing unification with the United National Congress (UNC).
This was confirmed by the PEP’s Political Leader, Phillip Alexander, following a special meeting on Saturday afternoon.
At a press briefing on Saturday, Political Leader of the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP), Phillip Alexander, revealed that the Executive of the party voted unanimously to begin the process of merging with the UNC.
“Well, the intention is now that we’ve identified that the two parties are on the same ideological track and we have the same policies, it does not make sense to continue to confuse the voter with two different brands, two different vehicles. So we’ve already been through the process of working together and we work together well. We think that it is in the best interest of everybody that the United National Congress be the vehicle.”
He emphasized that the unification is not a merger of convenience, but a strategic alignment based on shared values and a proven working relationship.
“Well, we’ve said that we’ve agreed to pursue a mechanism that involves having a conversation with the executive of the United National Congress to see what works for them. Once that process has been handled, we’ll come back to you and tell you where we are and where we’re looking at.”
The PEP he said is prepared to work with legal advisors and the UNC leadership to ensure a smooth transition.
“We don’t know if a precedent exists for this. So when we go to the executive of the United National Congress, they will determine how best, and I guess we will get the lawyers involved, how best, because we want to transfer whatever assets that we have and all of our policies and stuff over to the UNC.”
Mr Alexander said the PEP has set a target to complete the unification process.
“The party has given us a deadline to try and accomplish this before the local government election is due. Working with the UNC has been a fantastic experience. And I think that joining the two parties would only redound to a better attempt to fix Trinidad and Tobago to give proper representation to the people.”
He said while some members sought clarification on certain issues, there was no resistance to the unification decision.