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As the election results rolled in on Monday night, a sea of yellow-clad supporters gathered at the United National Congress (UNC) headquarters in Chaguanas, eagerly awaiting the arrival of political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Even before the results were confirmed, it was clear that the UNC was poised for a significant victory. A stage had been set up in the car park, vendors lined the streets, and parking was organised to accommodate the swelling crowd. By 9 p.m., the first seat was announced: Siparia, held by Persad-Bissessar since 1995, was safely secured.

The crowd erupted in cheers as more marginal seats were declared for the UNC, and by around 10:45 p.m., when Persad-Bissessar arrived at the headquarters, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Supporters surged forward, eager to greet the Prime Minister-in-waiting, many trying to touch her as she made her way to the stage.