~No more public meetings by Political Parties will be allowed~
PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced at the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday that the Council of Ministers held an emergency meeting on Tuesday in which several decisions were taken as the Parliamentary Election nears.
Mercelina said that on August 19th, 2024, when the polls open, supporters or persons supporting political parties will not be allowed near any of the polling stations. He explained that in the past, measures were put in place to keep the party supporters a distance away, but due to the shooting incident that took place last Wednesday night, the decision was taken to remove all gatherings in order to ensure public safety.
Mercelina also said that the COM has decided to remove persons who may want to sway voters as they approach the polling stations. He said it is a snap election, and there is no need for these gatherings.
In preparation for the snap elections called by Mercelina, he said that he had taken extra measures to safeguard the country's people in light of the shooting incident.
Mercelina said St. Maarten will receive 25 extra men in blue that came for the sister island. Curacao contributed 10, Aruba 10, St. Eustatius 3, and Saba 2.
Curacao also dispatched ten men from its Swat Team (A), who are currently on the island, and 25 men from the RST. To ensure that the country is safe for election day, the Prime Minister said he is also in discussion with the marechaussee (KMAR), while the Voluntary Korps will also assist on August 19th. Besides all of the additional security, Mercelina said he also requested military assistance from the Kingdom.
The Prime Minister made clear that as Prime Minister, he will not succumb to threats or violence. He said that he committed to the people of St. Maarten that their Prime Minister will not tolerate violence, especially if the violence threatens the democratic system of the country. “There was one regretful moment, and I intend to show the people that I am standing in for the safety of St. Maarten.
The Prime Minister further announced that as of now there will not be any public meetings allowed, he said the aim is to ensure there is no gathering of people anywhere since the latest shooting.
The sale of alcohol will be prohibited on election day.
No groups or fans of the various political parties will be allowed anywhere close to the polling stations. He said he does not want any citizens to be threatened or intimidated or influence the voters' minds heading to the polling stations.
Mercelina said all of the privileges he removed are people’s rights, but because it’s a snap election. There is tension in the community, he has decided to make some radical decisions to protect the community. Mercelina said that he hoped that with his decisions, the people would see that they had a serious prime minister in office.
The Prime Minister also condemned the shooting that took place in Cupe Coy Wednesday night and said St. Maarten has never experienced such incidents during the election period. He said losing one life is one life too much that has been lost.
Asked by reporters if he has declared a state of emergency based on the level of security measures taken, Mercelina said permits are needed for public meetings, but parties having gatherings at private locations will be tolerated since we are in a democratic society.
