Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
There can be little doubt anymore that the announced UP/De Weever government will become a reality, now that UP leader Theodore Heyliger has been appointed "formateur" and a governing accord has been signed (see related article). Certain politicians in The Hague who publicly stated they did not want him to be part of the next cabinet may be disappointed, but there was anyhow not much else Governor Eugene Holiday could do, faced with an agreement signed by eight out of 15 parliamentarians-elect.
Moreover, Heyliger confirmed on the Oral Gibbes Show he would in fact become prime minister, despite objections from within the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament. Unless the screening process gives a valid reason to stop him from doing so, that's exactly what's most likely going to happen, opening the way for UP candidate Maria Buncamper-Molanus to occupy a seat in the legislature after all.
It must be said, the governor in giving the "formateur" his task emphasised the strict observance of regulatory requirements, including the screening criteria applicable for the appointment of candidate-ministers. Nevertheless, as by far the biggest local vote-getter, one would be hard-pressed to deny Heyliger the right to serve his people without solid indications and preferably hard evidence of unlawful or in any case highly improper behaviour.
Some may be surprised that the first report on the current formation effort isn't due until October 20, while the newly elected Parliament will be installed this Friday, October 10, proclaimed as Constitution Day. Considering that the screening normally would take at least a week or two, St. Martin/St. Maarten Day on November 11 even could be celebrated before the Heyliger cabinet takes office.
This in principle does not present a problem, as the current caretaker Council of Ministers can govern without a majority backing while it attends only to ongoing affairs and doesn't undertake any new policy decisions. However, it is desirable that such a situation not last too long, in the interest of democracy.
One thing many may not realise is that being prime minister is not necessarily tied to the portfolio of General Affairs, which deals with constitutional and legal matters, personnel issues, etc. It well could be combined with another one of the seven ministries, although Foreign Relations obviously would be included in the package.
