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TEARS streamed down the cheeks of Mickela Panday, political leader of the Patriotic Front (PF), while her mother Oma Panday hid hers behind dark glasses as they pondered their first general election without their father and husband, former prime minister Basdeo Panday.

Mickela said she always contemplated that her father, who died on January 1, 2024, would have been at her side whether she was contesting as a candidate or political leader of her own party, following in his footsteps. The elder Panday was instrumental in the formation of the United Labour Front, Club 88 which morphed into the United National Congress (UNC).

"I miss him," she told members of the media as she cast her vote in the constituency of Oropouche East at the Esperance Regional Complex shortly after 10 am on April 28.