GOVERNMENT officials formally remain in office until the either the re-appointment of the sitting Prime Minister or the appointment of a new PM, the Office of the President (OTP) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement did not touch on the current issue of recounts in marginal seats but simply explained how the TT Constitution operates in the interim period after a general election and before a new/returning prime minister is announced.

“The Office of the President notes the concerns of the general public regarding the current status of the Prime Minister, Ministers and other members of Parliament, in response to which, much incorrect information is in widespread circulation particularly on social media.

“First, and most importantly, the process of appointing or reappointing a Prime Minister and Ministers of Government, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House is guided by the Constitution.”

The statement firstly cited the status of the outgoing/incumbent prime minister and Cabinet ministers under the Constitution (section 77) after a general election.

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