00:00By closing time on nomination day, candidates of Makayla Pandey's Patriotic Front successfully
00:06filed papers in 37 constituencies, according to a notice from the Elections and Boundaries
00:12Commission.
00:13Late on Friday night, a statement from the party said, while they were ready to field
00:1841 candidates, it was brought to their attention on Friday that four candidates did not complete
00:23the process for reasons beyond the party's control.
00:26The Patriotic Front says since they started announcing candidates in early February, many
00:31have faced harassment and intimidation by high-ranking members of the government and
00:36opposition, which continued through March as more candidates were introduced.
00:41The Patriotic Front says it strongly condemns this behavior.
00:46In the weeks leading up to nomination day, it says their candidates reportedly endured
00:50intense pressure, including threats to their personal safety, careers and families.
00:56As a result, four candidates chose not to submit their nomination papers.
01:00Prime Minister Stuart Young responded to these claims today.
01:04This is the first I'm hearing of it, and I can guarantee you that the PNM does not engage
01:10in that type of behavior, so there will be absolutely no substantiation of that.
01:15When reached for comment, opposition leader Kamala Prasad Bisesa dismissed the claims,
01:19saying she was not interested in this type of foolishness.
01:23As a result, the Patriotic Front will not be contesting the Port of Spain North, St.
01:28Anne's West, Dago Martin Central, Dago Martin West and Point 14 seats.
01:34However, candidates will appear on the ballot in the remaining 37 constituencies come April 28.
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