A total of 161 candidates will vie for seats in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on April 28, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) confirmed.
The announcement, made by Chief Election Officer Fern Narcis, followed a flurry of activity across the country as aspiring parliamentarians filed their nomination papers with returning officers in all 41 constituencies.
Nomination Day saw vibrant scenes outside EBC offices, with supporters decked out in party colours marching alongside music trucks, tassa drummers, and rhythm sections. Candidates were flanked by campaign managers and election agents as they submitted their paperwork, officially entering the race for the upcoming general election.
According to the EBC, 17 political parties have fielded candidates this year. The People’s National Movement (PNM) is the only party contesting all 41 constituencies. Close behind is the newly formed Patriotic Front, entering 37 candidates, followed by the United National Congress (UNC) with 34, and the National Transformation Alliance (NTA) with 17.
Three independent candidates will also be on the ballot: Ernesto Singh (Chaguanas East), Vivian Johnson (Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West), and Leroy Richard Kelton George (Tobago West).
In comparison, 19 parties contested the 2020 general election. Here’s the full breakdown of party participation for 2025:
People’s National Movement (PNM): 41
Patriotic Front: 37
United National Congress (UNC): 34
National Transformation Alliance (NTA): 17
All People’s Party: 8
Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP): 3
Trinidad Humanity Campaign: 3
People’s Democratic Patriots (PDP): 2
Congress of the People (COP): 2
Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA): 2
Tobago People’s Party (TPP): 2
National Coalition for Transformation: 2
Class Action Reform Movement: 1
Movement for National Development: 1
New National Vision: 1
Unity of the People: 1
The Hyarima Movement: 1
With a wide field of contenders and a diverse slate of parties, the race to the Red House promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years.
