Dear Editor,
This election has brought forward candidates driven by self-interest and hatred, unlike any previous elections. I cannot claim to be optimistic when reality reflects pessimism.
It seems that people are being misled into believing that education alone qualifies one for political leadership, which is not entirely true.
In St. Maarten, political parties seem to lack strong ideological foundations and appear to be driven more by personal preferences rather than principled ideologies.
For instance, it is perplexing to see individuals swiftly switching from one party to another within three months without any apparent alignment with a particular set of values or ideologies.
Political ideologies represent a set of interconnected beliefs concerning political theory and social policy.
I am eager to understand the distinctions between the NA, UPP, and SAM political parties, as well as the disparities between DP, PFP, and URSM. Furthermore, I am interested in comprehending the differences between NOW and ECE.
Specifically, I seek an understanding of each party’s ideology, and the basis on which they consider themselves the most suitable political entity to lead, taking into account their policies and principles.
It is crucial to comprehend what the people of St. Maarten value, be it Christianity, homosexuality, or a more liberal or conservative approach. While I acknowledge that abortion and homosexuality are legally and socially sanctioned within our European parliamentary system, I am keen to understand whether they align with the core values of St. Maarten. Moreover, I am interested in knowing the stances of the political parties on these issues.
The moral character of a political party is of paramount importance, regardless of individual opinions.
Therefore, it is imperative to know where each party stands on moral issues. Candidates should not be supported without a clear understanding of their stance.
I firmly believe that a candidate’s qualifications should not solely be based on educational achievements. A person with numerous master’s degrees may not be fit to lead if they exhibit immoral behavior, such as being a criminal or engaging in activities like pedophilia or bestiality.
Clarity is needed on why certain immoral acts are deemed acceptable while others are condemned, and who is responsible for making such determinations.
It is the right of the electorate to be informed of the candidates' positions on key issues. This transparency is fundamental to the democratic process.
Unfortunately, the media in St. Maarten seem reticent in their role to question candidates about their ideologies and moral standings, contributing to the chaos in St.Maarten.
In conclusion, I urge the electorate to demand transparency from political candidates.
We must insist on knowing why they align with a particular party and what values drive them.
We need the brutal truth. Understanding may be uncomfortable, but it is essential to gauge the authenticity of their beliefs.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
