Dookeran to sit out internal party elections

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Winston Dookeran announced Saturday that he will not contest the upcoming internal party elections because of concerns within the membership about his leadership style.

Dookeran, who was instrumental in the formation of the COP in 2006 as well as the ruling People's Partnership (PP) coalition, made the announcement after a meeting involving executive members and parliamentary representatives at the party's Flagship House headquarters in the capital.

"I will not offer myself as a candidate for the leadership of the Congress of the People on the July 3 election," he said.

"Many have been dissatisfiedwith my style of leadership. I acknowledge that each individual has (his or her) own style, but what I do know is that it is not style that matters, it is content that matters; content measured, in the end, by results."

Dookeran said he would still have a role in the party and his decision would in no way affect the PP government

He will remain as minister of finance and member of parliament (MP) for Tunapuna.

Dookeran has made it clear that he will not be endorsing any candidates in the upcoming internal election.