Today is Endorsement Day, when four of the six candidate lists submitted on Friday for next month’s early election need to garner support from one per cent of the most recent turnout in September 2016 to participate. To be on the February 26 ballot SMCP, SDM, PPA and United Democrats require the backing of 142 voters, as the latter is considered “new” too despite being a combination of UP and DP, which both have current parliamentary representation.
The process takes place at the former Civil Registry (Census) Office in Philipsburg. It was criticised in the past because there used to be a separate line for each party and therefore no “secret vote,” but that has since been remedied.
While some still find this pre-qualifying system rather undemocratic, the idea is to prevent too much fragmentation in politics. For the same reason, a party must first earn a first seat outright to vie for so-called residual seats.
The next 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) to be chosen and the Council of Ministers they put into office will have the crucial task of guiding the further recovery and rebuilding of the country in every sense, making use of 550 million euros made available by the Netherlands via the World Bank. It would therefore be good to hear from political candidates their realistic and feasible plans for the reconstruction effort, not just in terms of a “wish list” but specifically how these projects will contribute to restoring the tourism economy and improving the lives of the population.
Proposals ought to also include in what manner the money can be earned back/repaid, whether directly or indirectly. Any major investments should produce clear benefits to the nation and its people.
Keep in mind that this is no ordinary election. It’s about securing a decent future for all who call St. Maarten home.
