Countdown To General Election Results: Man Held With $30,000 Near Polling Station

UPDATE: Preliminary results are showing the UNC captured twenty-five (25) seats in the General Election, compared to fourteen (14) by People’s National Movement (PNM). The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) captured both Tobago West and Tobago East seats, in what has been a devastating night for the PNM. 

See the full victory speech below by UNC Political Leader and Prime Minister-Elect, the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar, delivered at UNC Headquarters in Chaguanas:

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As eligible voters across Trinidad and Tobago exercise their civic duty today (Monday 28th April, 2025) in the country’s General Election, early reports are indicating a high voter turnout this year, with persons showing an increased interest on the ground. While polling stations opened their doors at 6:00 AM, many eager voters were already in line to cast their ballots.

There are approximately 1.1 million eligible voters this year, according to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). The EBC also notes that a total of seventeen (17) political parties and 161 candidates are contesting the General Election.

The overall voting experience has been a positive one, according to many voters who were asked by reporters throughout the day. While some did complain about a longer-than-expected wait in line, including Prime Minister the Honourable Stuart R. Young, SC, who said it was the longest line he has been in since he started voting, the United National Congress (UNC) expressed other complaints. 

In a Facebook post this afternoon, the UNC said: “Please go out and VOTE! We are facing several issues with the EBC. Many EBC officials are either untrained or are deliberately frustrating our voters. Do not get frustrated. Stay in line and make sure your ballot is stamped, signed, folded and dropped off! We are almost there!”

UNC Political Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar spoke to members of the media outside of the Hermitage Presbyterian Primary School, where she casted her vote, about reports of a lengthy voting process at some of the polling stations today, as well as other issues.

Meanwhile, there are reports of a man being arrested by Police in the St. Joseph/Aranguez constituency after they received information that he was allegedly offering cash to persons in exchange for their votes. He was said to have been caught with $30,000 in cash in his possession, near a polling station, which corroborates with the allegations made against him — unless he can prove otherwise as to why he had that large sum of cash with him, near a polling station, on Election Day. No political paraphernalia were found by Police during a search of his vehicle, however. 

PNM Candidate for that same St. Joseph/Aranguez area, Terrence Deyalsingh, did warn some time last week in a social media video that men in black pick-ups were offering large sums of cash and other inducements in exchange for votes. 

This triggered the EBC to issue a warning on social media last week that anyone found guilty of bribing or otherwise influencing voters will face imprisonment for six (6) months or a $15,000 fine on summary conviction, or twelve (12) months or a $30,000 fine on indictment. 

There are also allegations today of votes being bought in other marginal constituencies — Moruga/Tabeland and San Fernando West.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is advising members of the public that Police Officers have been deployed in “significant numbers” in an effort to ensure that the voting process across Trinidad and Tobago “remains smooth, secure, and peaceful,” and are closely monitoring all developments on this Election Day.

This article will be updated throughout the day - refresh for updates.