By: Paul Sarran
June 3, 2025
In the wake of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 general election, a familiar debate has resurfaced concerning the practice of appointing unsuccessful election candidates to the Senate. This has become a routine feature of the country’s political tradition, and while legal and constitutionally permissible, it raises significant concerns about party renewal, democratic integrity, and the electorate’s confidence in the political process.
The 2025 general election delivered a clear verdict from the electorate. Voters signalled their desire for change, delivering a decisive outcome that unseated the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) after a sustained period in government. As with all such transitions, the moment provided the losing party with an opportunity for introspection, renewal, and re-engagement with a population whose trust must be regained. It is within this context that the practice of appointing losing candidates to the Senate deserves careful scrutiny.
When a candidate offers themselves for elective office, they participate in a social contract with the public. They present their values, proposals, and vision, asking citizens to judge their suitability through the ballot. When the people speak through their votes, especially in an overwhelming or symbolic manner, the message carries weight. Reintroducing these same candidates into Parliament through the back door of the Senate appointments appears to many observers to disregard that message. This can undermine public trust, creating a sense that electoral outcomes are being circumvented rather than respected.
To be clear, Senate appointments can and do serve important democratic functions. They allow for technocratic expertise, minority representation, and policy diversity. However, when these appointments are predominantly used to cushion political loyalists or recycle rejected candidates, the purpose becomes diluted. The electorate, who may have voted against certain individuals for very specific reasons be it leadership style, performance, or party alignment might feel their vote has been negated.
From a party-rebuilding standpoint, this practice may also inhibit necessary reform. Electoral defeat should be a moment for parties to confront hard truths: to listen more carefully, to widen their tent, and to reimagine their purpose and structure in light of modern challenges. Elevating those who have just been rejected may send a message that no such re-evaluation is taking place. It risks rewarding failure over reflection, and comfort over courage.
In 2025, the PNM faced an electorate that was deeply concerned about economic hardship, governance issues, youth unemployment, and crime. Many voters felt unheard and disillusioned. In such a context, offering Senate roles to previously defeated candidates no matter how loyal or experienced risks appearing tone-deaf. The electorate may interpret this as the party being unwilling to evolve or to bring in new voices. In a moment where the party must rebuild from the ground up, inclusiveness, humility, and innovation should be the order of the day.
Furthermore, appointing losing candidates to the Senate can erode the legitimacy of that institution itself. The Senate in Trinidad and Tobago plays an important role in reviewing legislation, representing interests outside the lower House, and providing space for more thoughtful, less partisan debate. If it is perceived as a refuge for political allies who failed at the polls, its capacity to act as a credible oversight body may be compromised. This undermines not just the party in question, but the health of the broader democratic system.
It must be acknowledged that not all losing candidates are unworthy of public service. Some may have been narrowly defeated or victims of broader national swings beyond their control. Others may possess skills and knowledge that are still valuable in governance. Yet, the process must be discerning. The default approach should not be automatic elevation but a considered review of what the party needs, what the public has indicated, and what message each appointment sends.
Part of the renewal process for a political party must involve cultivating fresh talent, encouraging diverse perspectives, and demonstrating a commitment to change. A Senate that reflects such an approach can be a powerful tool in signalling that renewal. Conversely, a Senate that mirrors the campaign trail’s defeats may reinforce public scepticism and suggest that internal accountability is lacking.
There is also a generational aspect to consider. Many young citizens in Trinidad and Tobago feel disconnected from traditional politics. They seek authenticity, responsiveness, and a sense that their participation matters. When they see the same personalities re-emerge after electoral rejection, it can feed into apathy and disengagement. In an era where democracy must be constantly reaffirmed and re-earned, symbolic actions matter. Demonstrating respect for the electorate’s voice even in appointments can help restore faith in the political process.
The PNM’s future viability depends not only on strategy but on perception. A political party that shows it has heard the electorate, and is willing to change direction, has a better chance of reconnecting with the population. This includes difficult decisions such as declining to reappoint familiar faces in favour of untested but promising individuals. While continuity and institutional memory are important, they must be balanced with renewal and responsiveness.
A more transparent and criteria-based approach to Senate appointments one that is guided by merit, national interest, and an understanding of the public mood would better serve both the democratic process and the parties that wish to thrive within it. Trinidad and Tobago’s democracy is resilient, but it requires continuous nourishment through practices that honour the will of the people and signal genuine efforts at improvement. As the political landscape evolves, so too must the practices that sustain its legitimacy.
(The author Paul Sarran is a Political Science Student at The University of the West Indies Global Campus in St Augustine.)
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