All is now set for an early return to the polls on January 9, with all seven participating parties having received their number and colour. They will be vying for 15 Parliament seats, of which a majority is to install the next Government.
In the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ political system there is no way to know for sure whether anyone voted into office will join the executive branch to govern the people. The election is strictly for a new legislature and any political candidate but also others not on the ballot may be nominated as minister.
The fact that locally one can’t remain in both Government and Parliament while before 10-10-10 at least half the Commissioners had to be Island Council members too, played a role in several political leaders and/or highest vote-getters opting to stay in the legislature since then. Becoming minister currently implies a risk of being left “outside looking in” should a cabinet crisis occur or motion of no-confidence against them be passed.
In other Dutch Caribbean counties positions on the election list determine what candidates get the party’s seats unless they earn one outright. In St. Maarten these are allotted based on personal votes, which means it’s even harder to guess who might end up in what public function.
Consequently, the process boils down to voting for persons expected to take good decisions as elected representatives also on appointing ministers if they themselves don’t become one. The matter of – if necessary – possible coalition forming is also a consideration.
Most important is for voters to make use of their sacred democratic right and not leave the choice to others. If you do, don’t complain later.
