Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance under the umbrella team St. Maarten has made history early Saturday morning when the final results of the parliamentary elections was delivered. Gathering 6, 939 votes the National Alliance won all three seats in parliament. The Democratic Party came out with 3,560 votes, which was not enough for them to hold on to their only seat. While the Peoples Progressive Party 920 votes. Of the 11,419 votes that were casted, some 194 of them were invalid while there were 153 blank votes. For the first time 61% of the voters showed up at the 16 polling stations to cast their votes in a federal election.Supporters of the National Alliance knew they were going to be victorious in this election as their party led the each of the 16 polling stations. The National Alliance supporters gathered outside of the Government Administration building as the results came in. As the scores were given the NA, supporters screamed out as they celebrate their party's victory. In 1975 the Democratic Party captured all three seats in parliament says moderator Edgar Lynch while this is the first time the National Alliance won an election outright.
Marlin made sure he thanked councilman Louis Laveist for his endorsement and his show of confidence towards the National Alliance. He said from day one Laveist wanted nothing in return for his support. Also witnessing the landslide and historical victory was Daren James the keynote speaker of the National Alliance congress. James flew back to St. Maarten to make sure he cast his vote on Friday. Also expressing gratitude to the supporters was commissioner vice president of the National Alliance Frans Richardson.
Leader of the National Alliance in his address said every member of the team worked hard to make sure they won, he said even though the campaign period was short it was an intense one. Marlin told his supporters that even though he and his vice president of the National Alliance Frans Richardson won the senate seats they would not be going to parliament since they are already commissioners in the island government.
Marlin made clear that the National Alliance or no one party can take St. Maarten to the finish line constitutionally and he called on the members of all other political parties especially the Democratic Party to return to the team St. Maarten. He said even though the people has given the mandate to the National Alliance they need to work hands in hands to realize what the people voted for some ten years ago. Marlin said the campaign is over and now is not the time to bicker since the clock is ticking and negotiations will have to begin as early as February 11.
Marlin said his party has been contesting elections for the past 32 years under the parties SPM, SPA and then the National Alliance and he thanked GOD for Friday's victory. He also thanked the voters who made sure they made use of their voting rights by making sure they cast their ballots. He said the winning is not for any one party instead it is St. Maarten that won and they must come together in the interest of the entire island.
