Today’s news that international observers and a team from the Netherlands will be here for next Monday’s early return to the polls might surprise some. After all, as has always been the case for the entire Dutch Caribbean, St. Maarten is generally known for peaceful, free and fair elections.
It could conceivably be argued that the decision expresses a lack of confidence in the young country’s ability to conduct its democratic process in a correct manner. On the other hand, having witnesses from elsewhere should at least help remove whatever doubts might exist.
Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin made the request via Dutch State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops on February 12, the day before a letter to the editor by PPA leader Gracita Arrindell calling for international observers was published in the newspaper. Whether a coincidence or not, this shows support for the idea also outside of the interim UP/DP/Brownwbill government.
One main difference is the current mention of direct involvement by The Hague, which is to send one person each from the Kingdom Relations Committees in both Chambers of Parliament. However, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) also will be represented.
The extraordinary post-Hurricane Irma circumstances under which citizens are to cast their ballots on February 26 probably played a role and the addition of Civil Registry officials from Aruba and Curaçao may be seen in that light. What’s more, the OAS and Caribbean Community Caricom already had observers before at elections in Aruba, Curaçao as well as St. Maarten.
And to be honest, there have been at least two local vote-buying cases, one involving police officers and another the prison director. Public accusations of attempted seat-buying were also made in Parliament with immunity, but lacking specifics.
So, to say this latest move comes out of the clear blue sky would be naïve. Recent political developments in Philipsburg alone certainly seem to give enough reason.
