The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), a small opposition party in Trinidad and Tobago, announced on Tuesday that it will not participate in the upcoming general election later this year.
MSJ leader David Abdulah revealed the decision during a press conference, explaining that the party aims to concentrate on strengthening its organizational capacity to better position itself for future governance.
“We do not believe we are in a position to do so in 2025, and therefore we would focus on our own building,” Abdulah stated.
The MSJ, closely associated with the influential Oilfield Workers Union (OWTU), has struggled in previous local and general elections. Abdulah emphasized that while the party will not contest the election, it remains committed to advocating for citizens by engaging with the public, raising awareness about their rights, and issuing statements on national issues.
The party’s limited participation in the 2013 and 2016 local government elections saw modest growth, with an expanded presence in 2019. However, Abdulah noted that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their development plans, leaving insufficient time to achieve their organizational goals.
In a strategic shift, Abdulah announced he will no longer be the sole spokesperson for the party, signaling a move toward greater delegation and specialized communication efforts.
He also clarified that the recent emergence of political entities such as Gary Griffith’s National Transformation Alliance (NTA) and Mickela Panday’s Patriotic Front (PF) did not influence the MSJ’s decision to sit out this year’s election.
Meanwhile, the country’s main opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), has expressed openness to forming coalitions with smaller opposition groups to challenge the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), which has been in power since 2015.
As the political landscape evolves, the MSJ’s focus on internal development reflects its long-term strategy to strengthen its role in Trinidad and Tobago’s political sphere.
