The country is in another constitutional standoff after the new UP/DP/Brownbill majority in Parliament adopted a motion of no confidence against the NA and US Party ministers. The William Marlin Cabinet in turn approved a National Decree dissolving the legislature before resigning, which means early elections in January.
The irony is that the motive for the political crisis – an impasse regarding reportedly 200 to 300 million euros in hurricane recovery funds from the Netherlands – has been practically resolved. Prime Minister Marlin indicated on Tuesday that he would accept the conditions set for such based on recommendations from the Council of Advice, although there were apparently still some documents to be signed.
What’s more, when the incoming coalition passed two separate motions regarding the Integrity Chamber and border control to comply with the Dutch demands, the – now opposition – members of NA and US Party did not vote against these. They didn’t support them either, but by abstaining at least indicated they won’t try to create obstacles for getting the much-needed financial assistance.
There is thus no valid reason for The Hague to continue holding back on this aid, regardless of ongoing political developments. It should be clear that by now both the outgoing Government and incoming coalition are willing to take what is being offered with the strings attached.
People should keep in mind that while the Governor in principle has no choice but to sign the dissolution decree into law, the new majority does maintain the right to install an interim cabinet pending snap elections. That might seem to make little sense for a period of just three months, but it wouldn’t be the first time in both St. Maarten and Curaçao.
Moreover, the term for going back to the polls could be extended as has already happened as well, in this case perhaps due to the current post-Irma circumstances. It even occurred in the recent past that a different date was agreed on beforehand, yet later postponed after the fact.
All in all, Governor Eugene Holiday will have his hands full in the coming days and weeks.
However, one thing is for sure: The hard-hit population is in dire straits and does not deserve to be kept hanging on any longer.
