§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the constitutional position within Trinidad and Tobago. [68857]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienA general election was held in Trinidad and Tobago in December 2001. The result was an unprecedented tie of 18 seats each to the ruling United National Congress Party (UNC) and the People's National Movement (PNM). President Robinson appointed Patrick Manning, leader of the opposition PNM, as the new Prime Minister. We understand that this decision, once taken by the President, cannot be challenged.
Parliament has to be called within six months of a new Administration being sworn in to elect a speaker. PM Manning called Parliament on Friday, 5 April 2002. They failed to elect a speaker and Parliament was prorogued. Under the constitution, elections have to be called if Parliament has not reconvened within six months of its last sitting. This is an internal matter for the President and Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.