Progressive Empowerment Party

Progressive Empowerment Party
LeaderPhillip Edward Alexander
Founded2017
Dissolved2025 (2025)
Succeeded byUnited National Congress
Colors Orange

The Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) was a political party in Trinidad and Tobago.

History

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The Progressive Empowerment Party was founded in 2017. The PEP sought to become the country's third party.[1]

The PEP stood 31 candidates in the 2020 Trinidad and Tobago general election but won no seats.[2] They stood candidates in the 2023 Trinidadian local elections but performed poorly.[3]

In November 2023, its founder and political leader, Phillip Edward Alexander resigned.[4] Limma McLeod Wilkinson became its interim leader.[5] In March 2024, Alexander returned as leader.[6]

The PEP contested the 2025 Trinidad and Tobago general election as part of the Coalition of Interests) with the United National Congress and the Laventille Outreach for Vertical Enrichment movement.[7] The PEP contested three seats[8]Diego Martin West, Diego Martin North/East, and Port of Spain North/Saint Ann's West,[9] where Alexander challenged prime minister Stuart Young.[10]

The party won no seats in the election,[11] and announced its intention to disband. Alexander announced that he will be joining the UNC and that he "anticipate[d] roles for members of the PEP within the UNC".[12] Phillip Alexander joined the Persad-Bissessar administration as Minister in the Ministry of Housing.[13]

Electoral history

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Election Votes % Seats +/–
2020 5,930 0.90 0 New
2025 9,373[11] 1.5% 0

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Perez-Sobers, An-drea. "PEP now officially T&T's third party—Alexander". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  2. ^ Superville, Shane (2020-07-15). "PEP in step with 31 candidates". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  3. ^ Rampersad, Sharlene (2023-08-15). "No LGE win but PEP 'ready for general election'". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  4. ^ Reporter, Newsday (2023-11-16). "PEP makes changes after Alexander resigns". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  5. ^ Sambrano, Chester (2023-12-02). "PEP appoints new interim political leader - CNC3". Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  6. ^ Polo, Dareece (2024-03-05). "Rumblings in PEP as Phillip returns as leader - CNC3". Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  7. ^ "Kamla announces coalition with OWTU, PEP, LOVE". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 2025-02-12. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  8. ^ Souza, Janelle De (2025-03-23). "PEP to contest three general election seats". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  9. ^ Narcis-Scope, Fern (2025-04-08). Notice of Taking a Poll – Listing of Candidates and Polling Stations for the 2025 Parliamentary Elections (PDF). Elections and Boundaries Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Alexander Takes on Young in GE 2025". AZP News. 2025-03-23. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  11. ^ a b ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION. PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2025. DETAILED PRELIMINARY RESULTS
  12. ^ Polo, Dareece (2025-05-03). "PEP to disband as Phillip joins UNC". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  13. ^ Kissoon, Carolyn (2025-05-07). "Phillip Edward Alexander sworn in as 3rd Minister in the Ministry of Housing". Trinidad Express Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-05-10.