Next month’s election of a new President … which takes place on February 11… appears to be just a formality.

Yesterday 15 Government members of the House of Representatives nominated President George Maxwell Richards.

There was only one nominee yesterday, which was the deadline for the submission of nominations… … which means that Richards is unopposed

For all intents and purposes, Richards, who is entering his second term as President, is virtually the President-designate.

Leader of Government Business, Colm Imbert, confirmed the nomination was signed by three more than the required 12 members.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday had indicated that it would have been an "exercise in futility" …for the UNC-A to have nominated anyone… given the fact that the PNM has a built-in majority in the Electoral College.