Dr Kirk Meighoo’s Democratic National Assembly (DNA) has come out of what seemed like political oblivion to contest the Chaguanas West by-election on July 29. The DNA, which was formed in 2006 to provide an alternative “third force” to the PNM and UNC parties, has not made any significant inroads in local politics. Meighoo said a candidate for Chaguanas West was selected by the party’s executive but has to be confirmed before he is announced.
He said the DNA had been quietly preparing for the 2015 general election but decided to contest Chaguanas West because a lawful opportunity for change presented itself. Asked if he believed the DNA would make an impact in Chaguanas West, Meighoo said: “Absolutely. Why? Because we represent that new era of politics. We represent all those who are fed up of the bacchanal and confusion and corruption and the old era.”
Meighoo said he was not ready to say who were the executive members of the DNA, but Phillip Alexander of the Jericho Project has been associated with him. As for how many supporters the DNA had, Meighoo said: “We haven’t measured our support as yet.” The party’s symbol is a stairway leading up to a circle and its colour is powder blue. Meighoo said the DNA had been working with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the UNC in the run-up to the 2010 general election but bowed out when it disagreed with the direction being taken.