UNC WITHDRAWS FROM ETHICAL COUNCIL

The United National Congress faces criticisims after withdrawing from the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour.

Transcript

00:00The United National Congress has officially written to the Council for Responsible Political

00:05Behavior to announce its withdrawal.

00:08Though withdrawing from the Council, the party says it remains steadfast in its commitment

00:13to upholding the Constitution and laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

00:17The opposition party did not reveal the reason behind the move.

00:21Meanwhile, Gary Griffiths, NTA, says it remains committed to responsible political behavior

00:27as it believes responsible political behavior should be the cornerstone of every political

00:33party.

00:34The NTA says it is disappointed with the UNC's decision and rejects any notion that political

00:40strategy must include character assassination, disrespect or the dissemination of falsehoods.

00:47Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdullah says while the code of ethics established

00:52by the Council is not legally enforceable, it is important as it holds political parties

00:59to a certain standard.

01:01He says it is not a good sign if parties are refusing to sign on, or in this case, withdrawing.

01:07Now of course, parties break the code and the Council can make a statement saying that

01:13they are in violation and so on.

01:16But to withdraw is not the right way.

01:19Ideally, that code ought to be enshrined in law somewhere, but it is not.

01:28The MSJ a few weeks ago announced it would not be contesting the 2025 general election.

01:33Arvishi Tiwari, Ruknirain, TV6 News.