During her weekly radio program One on One with the Prime Minister, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams will again be emphasizing her and her Cabinet’s work in Electoral Reform and Campaign Reform. The Prime Minister emphasized that her focus with regards to electoral change is to ensure that there is stability in the system and clarity for the people who have elected their representatives, doing so on the basis of a clear program and vision of a particular political party and with that party then being able to execute their respective programs.
"Based on the frequent changes because of the shifting of alliances and allegiances in Parliament that is one of the matters in electoral reform that I have received advice on and there are various options to look at. I am now preparing a paper to submit to Parliament in order to have a discussion, a discussion devoid of politicking but in the interest of the people. There are various options with regards to electoral reform. For example within a Political Party itself or ultimately, which I believe should be the ultimate option, with changes to the constitution.
"It is also important to make the public aware of the dynamics of our politics and how important it is to elect persons who voters understand have a clear vision and clear objective. Tied into this is the issue of campaign reform, the change in the way we conduct politics. During the budget handling Parliament passed a motion on electoral reform. The content of the motion was to not bribe, pay or accept cash, give objects or give preferential treatment to influence the vote for or against a candidate and also not to coerce persons to nominate or not to nominate a candidate. I indicated that much of these matters are already outlined in our laws, but it does require educating and informing Parliament and the people of St. Maarten. I therefore gave an overview where this is already mentioned in our law. Matters like bribing someone to vote are outlined in the penal code, specifically in article 2.14 that states that the person who bribes someone to vote in a particular through the giving of money or gifts or in any other way will be punished with incarceration for two years or fines as categorized by the law. The voter or a representative of a voter who allows his or herself to be bought will be punished in the same manner," commented the Prime Minister.
The PM stressed that it is the duty of all responsible parties to adhere to the law, which clearly outlines what is and what is not allowed during National Elections. "Eventually, as our society becomes more complex and larger, you may have a situation where elections might be contested because things have not happened according to the law. The initiator of the Parliamentary Motion, MP Frans Richardson, may not have been aware of the law so I have pointed this out in my reply to Parliament so that the necessary discussions will take place. I have also requested that Parliament invites me to a session so that I can give elucidation on this," concluded Wescot-Williams.
The Prime Minister’s Radio Program One on One with the Prime Minister broadcasts live on 98.1 Pearl FM from nine to ten in the morning. Listeners are urged to interact with the Prime Minister through calling in on 5430462 or via sending an email to on********@gm***.com.