ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, MAY 31- The New National Party is holding a convention in northern St. Patrick’s on Sunday, with political leader Emalyn Pierre expected to be returned unopposed — even though whispers persist in some party circles that not everyone within the NNP ranks is fully behind her leadership.

Pierre, who assumed the party’s top post in controversial circumstances nearly 18 months ago amid allegations of a rigged selection process, will face no formal challenge at the convention. Leadership is not listed among the items up for contest.

Yet multiple party sources acknowledge lingering unease about the absence of a clear leadership bump since her takeover — and quietly, the name of Adrian Joseph, the NNP’s candidate for St. George’s Northwest, has been floated by some factions as a preferred alternative.

For now, however, the party is expected to rally around Pierre and present a united front ahead of what could be a defining electoral cycle. General elections are officially due next year, though broad speculation suggests Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell could call the vote before year’s end.

Among the most significant storylines heading into Sunday is the expected political exit of Dr. Keith Mitchell. The former Prime Minister and longtime NNP standard-bearer is not expected to contest the party chairmanship — a strong signal that his withdrawal from frontline politics is now all but complete.

In his place, Adrian Joseph — the NNP’s candidate for St. George’s Northwest is widely tipped to be elected the party’s new chairman.

Further change is expected at the general secretariat, with the current holder, Roland Bhola, indicating he will not seek another term, opening the door for new leadership in that post as well.

Sunday’s assembly could prove to be the NNP’s last convention before voters are called to the polls.