By the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
The rhythm of democracy resonates through the heart of Sint Maarten, echoing the voices of its citizens as they cast their votes and shape the future of their nation. Chapter 7 of the Electoral Ordinance illuminates the intricate process by which election results are determined – a journey that paves the way for true representation.
Article 87: The Dawn of Determination
Five days after the votes have been cast, a pivotal moment arrives. At 10:00am, the central electoral committee convenes for a public meeting, as stipulated by Article 87. Citizens are welcome to witness this democratic process unfold, with the committee chairman tasked with maintaining order.
Article 88: Ensuring Accuracy
Within this meeting, Article 88 empowers the central electoral committee to ensure the accuracy of the election results. If needed, they have the authority to recount ballot papers from specific polling districts. The sealed packages can be opened, and the recount process follows the same rigorous rules to safeguard the integrity of the election.
Article 89: Unveiling the Verdict
The committee delves into the heart of the matter in Article 89, calculating the votes garnered by each candidate and electoral list. With transparency as a cornerstone, they publicly announce these results, providing citizens with an opportunity to raise any objections they may have.
Article 90 to 92: A Record of Democracy
Following meticulous work, the central electoral committee compiles an official report, chronicling the proceedings. This record, detailed in Articles 90 to 92, is endorsed by the signatures of all committee members present. This official account serves as a testament to the democratic process that transpired.
Article 93: Carving the Path of Representation
Article 93 navigates the intricacies of representation. If the number of candidates in a list aligns with the available seats, all these candidates are declared elected. Similarly, if only one list exists and more candidates than seats are available, the committee selects candidates to fill these positions. In the absence of valid lists, Article 93 decrees that no one is elected.
Articles 94 to 96: The Tapestry of Choice
Swiftly, the election results are unveiled as dictated by Article 94. A cascade of calculations commences in Article 95, where the total votes are divided by the number of seats to determine the electoral quota. Article 96 casts a spotlight on fairness, allocating seats based on the average number of votes per assigned seat. If parity persists, lots are drawn to decide.
Article 97 to 101: Paving the Path to Seats
Article 97 outlines the formula for the list quota, dividing the votes of a list by the number of seats assigned. Candidates who secure votes equal to or surpass the list quota are elected, as stipulated in Article 98. If available seats outnumber candidates meeting this criterion, the committee selects more candidates based on the highest vote count.
Article 99 to 103: Honouring Democracy's Voice
In a solemn acknowledgment of life's realities, Article 99 decrees that the votes of deceased candidates are not counted. The democratic tapestry is further woven in Article 100, as candidates are arranged based on their votes and, if needed, the order on the list.
A Symphony of Democracy
With the announcement of election results, as mandated by Article 101, the grand symphony of democracy reverberates through the nation. Article 102 ensures that these results are etched in the National Gazette of Sint Maarten, open for all to see.
As the curtain falls on Chapter 7, the central electoral committee's role as the steward of democracy is illuminated. Stay tuned as we journey through the final chapters of the Electoral Ordinance, delving deeper into the essence of representation and governance in Sint Maarten.
As the Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs prepares to host town-halls to enlighten the public on electoral reform, the foundation of the nomination process shines brighter than ever. Each nomination represents an individual's aspiration to be the voice of the people, echoing the heartbeats of democracy.
Stay tuned as we continue to navigate the passages of Sint Maarten's Electoral Ordinance, uncovering the layers that make up the vibrant spectrum of democracy in action.
This information has been summarized from the chapters and articles of the Electoral Ordinance of the translated Constitution of Sint Maarten. For more information, visit www.sintmaartengov.org/Ministries/Campaigns/Pages/PARLIAMENTARY-ELECTIONS.aspx
