People's National Movement

The People's National Movement is the ruling conservative political party in Trinidad and Tobago. Founded in 1955 by Eric Williams, it won the 1956 General Elections and went on to hold power for an unbroken 30 years. After the death of Williams in 1981 George Chambers led the party. However the party lost favour under the weight of allegations of corruption and mismanagement, culminating in a 33-3 loss to the National Alliance for Reconstruction in the 1986 General Elections.

Related Topics:
Political party - Trinidad and Tobago - 1955 - Eric Williams - 1956 - 1981 - George Chambers - National Alliance for Reconstruction - 1986

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Under the leadership of Patrick Manning, the party was returned to power in the 1991 General Elections, but lost power in 1995 to the United National Congress in the face of rising crime and allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The PNM lost the 2000 General Elections, but a split in the UNC forced new elections in 2001. These elections resulted in an 18-18 tie between the PNM and the UNC, and President Arthur N.R. Robinson appointed Manning as Prime Minister. Manning was unable to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives, but won an outright majority in new elections held in 2002. As before, crime rates have increased sharply and five senior members of the party are under investigation for corruption.

Related Topics:
Patrick Manning - 1991 - 1995 - United National Congress - 2000 - 2001 - Arthur N.R. Robinson - House of Representatives - 2002

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The party symbol is the Balisier flower (Heliconia bihai).

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