Voters in Trinidad and Tobago have elected Kamla Persad-Bissessar of the United National Congress (UNC) as prime minister, ousting the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM).

Persad-Bissessar, the country’s first and only female leader, returns to office after previously serving from 2010–2015.

In her victory speech, she promised pension protections, public service pay raises, job creation, and crime reduction.

The PNM conceded defeat, while the Tobago People’s Party also gained ground, The Guardian has reported.

The election followed political turmoil, economic struggles, and rising crime, with potential shifts ahead in U.S.–T&T relations under Persad-Bissessar’s leadership.

Written by B.C. Begley