Over the past few days several more candidates signed their pledge as DP candidates in the upcoming election. This straightforward, yet meaningful document is the candidate’s commitment to country and party to serve the people of our beloved island. Candidates Hasani, Warno, Armand, Gerard, Patricia, Carmen, Perry and Roy proudly signed the pledge and more candidates will follow in the coming days. Candidates, in brief comments at the signing, stressed their desire to contribute to meaningful change, and expressed their belief that the Democratic Party is the party to deliver that change. The candidates also explained how important the factor of trust is in the upcoming election. The platform of trust is one the DP and in particular its leader, Sarah Wescot-Williams, has been campaigning on.
The pledge, which Prime Minister Wescot-Williams has pushed other political parties to also consider, ensures that candidates will place the needs of St. Maarten first when running for the August 29th Parliamentary Elections. “The Democratic Party considers serving the people of Sint Maarten as the highest form of public service. Our Party was founded on the tenets of inclusion and equality of all the people of Sint Maarten.
Our Party continues to strive to create a society that maximizes the possibilities for well being of all the people.
“Members of the Democratic Party must commit themselves to the principles of the Party and must seek to serve the People in consideration of the articles of association of the Democratic Party. Party members must also respect and uphold the Constitution of Sint Maarten.
“The members of the Democratic Party who seek to contest the Parliamentary elections of Sint Maarten as members of the Democratic Party require a mandate from the people to govern. Membership and candidacy within the Democratic Party is a mutual relationship of trust and loyalty. The member has a right to choose membership and the Party has the right to choose its candidates.
Therefore, in affirmation of membership and all that this honor entails, candidates of the Democratic Party pledge to:
– Uphold and defend the Constitution of Sint Maarten;
– Follow the electoral rules and requirements as set forth by National Law;
– Respect and observe the principles and rules of the Democratic Party as set forth in the Party’s articles of association;
– Agree to foster and promote the principles of open government; transparency, accountability and integrity
– Act in accordance with the Democratic Party’s election and / or governing program;
– Faithfully endeavor to advance the Party by taking part in activities in support of the Party and its objectives;
– Keep the party leadership informed of all political issues relevant to the Party;
– Cooperate with the Party leadership to maintain open and transparent communication and to assist the Party board as necessary;
– Vote in accordance with Party policy as far as this is reasonably possible in keeping with the relevant oath of office;
– Discuss and debate issues of difference of opinion within the Party and seek resolution;
– Inform the Party in a timely fashion of reasons or circumstances that make continued membership or candidacy untenable;
– Act in a manner that brings honor to my nation, my Party and myself.
All candidates contesting the August 29th Parliamentary Elections on the Democratic Party slate must sign the pledge, with many candidates already having done so and many to do so in the coming days.