Sint Maarten holds crucial Parliamentary re-election amid political instability

For the second time in 2024, Sint Maarten held a crucial parliamentary election with a total of 22,747 eligible voters this time, who casted their votes on August 19, between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The snap election was held after the coalition government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, lost its majority in Parliament.

Further, to resolve the political instability, Sint Maarten had to announce re-elections. It is to be noted that the first 2024 Parliamentary election was held on January 11.

However, on August 19, a total of 4,767 people voted as of noon, which is 21% of the 22,747 eligible voters. The trends this time are also similar to the election that was held eight months ago, then around 4,736 voters voted by noon which is also 21% of the voters that were eligible.

Additionally, THE political parties that contested the election are Empire Culture Empowerment Association (ECE), Soualiga Action Movement (SAM), Oualichi Movement for Change (OMC), National Alliance (NA), Democratic Party (DP), National Opportunity Wealth (N.O.W.), Party for Progress (PFP), United People Party (UP), and Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM).

Moreover, in Saint Maarten, Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected using a proportional representation system. Also, Sint Maarten’s Parliament consists of 15 seats which means to form a government the party must win at least 8 seats in Parliament.

Also, to conduct the Parliamentary elections peacefully the Police Force of Sint Maarten increased the checking to enhance safety and security and a safe voting environment.

They also shared that a crisis team has been composed which has senior officers and have discussed all the possible political scenarios that may arise on the day of voting and how that can be dismissed.

Further, the authorities announced alcohol ban from 6:00 PM of August 18 until 6:00 PM of August 20. This ban has been implemented in accordance to article 1, General Police Regulation; Article 56, first paragraph of the Licensing National Ordinance.

Under this all the shops, warehouses, and other establishments are prohibited to sell, deliver and provide alcohol or alcoholic beverages.

However, the locations like airport and ports, also the hotels and accommodations are allowed to serve it to just their guests who are not residents or are travellers.