Kamla Persad Bissessar, leader of Trinidad and Tobago’s main opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), has declared victory in Monday’s general election.  

The ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) suffered a  defeat after calling early elections. Prime Minister Stuart Young conceded, marking the end of the PNM’s attempt at securing a third consecutive term. 

Persad Bissessar easily retained her Siparia seat — a constituency she has represented since 1995 — securing 9,565 votes according to preliminary figures. Her main challenger, Natasha Mohammed of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), garnered 1,921 votes. 

“No one will be left behind, because when the UNC wins, everybody wins.” Persad Bissessar said of her victory. 

The UNC won a total of 19 seats with the addition of 2 Independent candidates joining the new Government, giving the UNC 21 seats total.

Persad Bissessar served as Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister from 2010-2015 before being voted out.