How Trinidad & Tobago Chooses Its Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is appointed under the Westminster parliamentary system:

1. General Election: Held every 5 years (max) for the 41-seat House of Representatives.
2. Majority Party Leader: The President (ceremonial head of state) appoints as PM the Member of Parliament who commands the support of the majority — almost always the leader of the party winning the most seats.
3. No Majority? If hung parliament, President appoints person most likely to command majority (coalition/minority govt).
4. Swearing-In: PM sworn in by President; forms Cabinet.
5. Accountability: PM & Cabinet responsible to Parliament; can be removed by vote of no confidence.

Current (2024): Keith Rowley (PNM) — since 2015, re-elected 2020. Opposition: UNC (Kamla Persad-Bissessar).

Constitution (Sec. 76): "The President shall appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House of Representatives who... is best able to command the support of the majority."