The President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell has been the first country entity to meet with the Electoral Council since the members were appointed by His Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday more than three weeks ago. The meeting took place on Thursday.
The law states that parliament has to facilitate the Electoral Council in the execution of their task, but President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell informed the Council that the law needs to be amended to read "government," since it’s an execution task of the executive branch of Government.
A letter with respect to the aforementioned has been sent to the Minister of General Affairs Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.
The Electoral Council during their discussions with President Arrindell expressed their concern of not being able to find accommodation or staff that would help them carry out their duties.
President Arrindell has also invited the Electoral Council to make a presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament with respect to its role and responsibilities. This meeting is scheduled to take place in the week of February 24.
The national ordinance that regulates the Electoral Council will be posted on Parliament’s website allowing the public, political parties and other stakeholders and entities to be able to peruse the document which list the new electoral requirements that will go in effect since Sint Maarten achieved its new country status.
"The installation of the Electoral Council is very important and is part and parcel of our democratic system. We must all work diligently in making the necessary changes so that everything is in place for the Electoral Council and the 2014 elections for the second parliament of country Sint Maarten," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell stated on Sunday.
Members of the Electoral Council are Bert Hofman, Celia Richardson, and Linda Richardson.
PHOTO CUTLINE: L to R, Linda Richardson, Celia Richardson, President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell and Bert Hofman.