~350 duplicate voting cards distributed; no international observers expected~
PHILIPSBURG: --- The Voting Bureau announced at a press conference on Tuesday that everything is in place for the January 11th Parliamentary Elections. Chairlady of the Voting Bureau Nathalie Tackling told reporters that 129 candidates postulated for the 15-member parliamentary seats, these candidates postulated on 8 slates.
Tackling said that this election will be the first election where the curtains will be removed from booths at the polling stations however, she assured that the Voting Bureau along with the Civil Registry has done everything necessary to protect the voter's rights to secrecy.
Tackling also confirmed that St. Maarten will not be having any international election observers this election.
Cathy Snider, head of the Civil Registry announced that voting cards will be available at the Government Administration Building (Civil Registry) on Election Day for pick-up. Snider said some 1235 voting cards were returned from Postal Services of which 28 were collected. However, the Civil Registry also indicated that they had to issue 350 duplicate voting cards to voters, she explained that those persons who requested the duplicates either did not receive their cards or cards were damaged.
Persons who did not get their voting cards by 6 pm on Thursday can still obtain a duplicate at the polling stations. Sniders asked voters to desist from going to the polling stations during the day on Thursday for duplicates but instead, these persons should check with the Civil Registry before.
Chief of Police Carl John who was also present at the press conference assured the public that police officers will be at all polling stations on Thursday, January 11th, 2024, to ensure that voters abide by the law.
The top cop cautioned party supporters that the 5-meter distance from the polling stations would be maintained. John also indicated that the police will be having a busy day on Thursday since the four largest cruise ships are expected in port on that day. He said the police would be busy with its regular duties to provide safety and security for its citizens. Asked if KPSM will receive backup or assistance to cope with the workload on election day, John said 24 officers are expected to arrive on St. Maarten on Wednesday to assist KPSM.
NO LOADSHEDDING EXPECTED ON ELECTION DAY.
Temporary Manager of N.V GEBE Troy Washington assured that NV. GEBE will not be load-shedding on Election Day. Washington said GEBE was faced with load-shedding for two days due to mechanical failures. He said that two engines had to be taken offline for repairs, one of which was completed on Monday while the other is expected to be finalized today Tuesday. He said besides having the two engines up and running, the school will be out on Election Day thus the company will have reserves to keep power on throughout Election Day on Thursday, January 11th.
