UNC Point Fortin candidate Ernesto Kesar has launched a social media challenge as part of his election campaign, giving people the chance to win prizes like iPads and laptops.
In a paid Facebook ad, Kesar called on “Point Fortin youth” between 18 and 35 to take a selfie with him if they see him in the constituency. It includes a selfie of him and a young woman.
The post’s caption said, “Spot your UNC candidate and win…It’s that simple.”
It added, “Feel free to leave a comment about your experience.”
Participants must upload the photo to social media to be eligible, then like and share the post about the challenge.
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He urged everyone to follow his campaign pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
The challenge began on April 2 and the winners will be announced on April 29 – the day after the general election.
In a phone interview with Newsday on April 2, Kesar said the challenge is meant to familiarise young people with the UNC’s candidate.
When asked if some may think he is trying to "buy over" voters, he said, “I don’t even understand that concept. That is old politics. There is no cash involved.”
He said a supporter donated the electronic devices and he decided they could be used “as an incentive.
“We're just not into buying votes. It seems like when UNC wins this election, we have a lot of work to repair public confidence in politicians.”
He continued, “Politics is real harsh and it has been very harsh in the last ten years in the way politicians speak to people. So I know people are very sceptical about everything that has to do with politics in this country, especially now.”
He said he “does not have time for tricks" and that interacting with youths has him feeling 20 years younger.
Kesar had contested the 2020 general election under the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ). He got 545 votes out of 15,696. The PNM won with 9,276 votes.
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The MSJ will not be contesting the 2025 general election.
Asked about this switch, Kesar said he and “(his) political leader David Abdulah” are on good terms.
“There’s no animosity between us.”
Kesar is also vice president of the Oilfields’ Workers Trade Union (OWTU), which is part of the UNC’s coalition for the election.
“So many workers have been suffering and being dealt a raw deal because labour laws have been used against them. In some cases, these people with the authority to intervene and to intercede and to help sat by and did nothing.”
He said one of his main aims if elected would be to bring more energy sector jobs to the “oil town” of Point Fortin.
“In addition to that, Point Fortin is ripe with culture and sports. I have a whole plan for that as well.
“I am not coming from a position where I'm trying to make up things as I go along. We sat down for the last five years and really put our heads together as to what we want to see for the people. These things are very comprehensive, well-documented and well-researched.
He said the public must get on board with the UNC as “yellow is the code.”
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