Like in few-, or in any places in the world, elections on the 'Friendly-island', are a wonderful- display or respect-, fun-, friendship-, overcoming even very deeply held political differences-,fought out in fierce debates- and in other ways.
Traditionally, our election-days have become a time to come out-, make use of one's democratic right- and to enjoy a real social event.
As St. Martin people- and politicians alike-, elections are something most definitely for us all to feel proud about and to preserve.
The 'bad' is multifaceted and has many faces.
The buying of votes for instance-, is undisputed- and is a 'curse' on any real democracy.
This practice is very devious-, and anti-democratic, since it prevents political parties from being able to be objectively judged on real issues- / ideologies.
As such campaign reform must address this practice.
With a very few exceptions here as well, access to radio-and t.v.-programs during campaign is mostly based on the party having lots of monies- in order tp pay to get its message across.
While having full understanding for the owners of the stations- and the various talk show hosts to capitalize on that demand, fact is that, they too contribute towards a great disservice to the people.
Reason being that they themselves-, for the sake of money, make themselves 'prostitutes' and willing accomplice in denying the public getting information from all political parties.
In our opinion, there must be a balance found for them to make (lots of )money, and at the same time to have certain 'time-slots' available as a community-service to allow the public to listen to the message of all registered political parties.
When a public takes vital information on insufficient information,such can have devastating social consequences !
Therefore this 'bad' should be addressed in reforming how we conduct campaigns on the island.
Another 'bad face' of the campaign method on the island-, has a very, very dangerous potential.
It is the result of a practice started- and kind of 'copyrighted' by the DP-party over the course of many decades.
Placing naturalized candidates on the lists in the hope to attract votes from that particular group-, or 'constituency'
For years it worked well-, in the sense that the main 'benefactor' was the DP-political party.
However, the NA which has long suffered by being labeled an 'anti-foreigner' party by the DP, has not only caught on-, but has taken it to the 'next level'.
With the number of expats-, and naturalized citizens on the island expanding-, they are now realizing that they can in fact hold all the political parties 'hostage' to their (national-) wishes.
This practice-,is now clearly back-firing on all parties-, because it is making many of their own St. Martin members- and supporters very, very uneasy to say the least.
Clearest example is the label of 'Judas' pinned on William MARLIN.
While many people might not like this label-, it can not be denied that it represents a very strong anger and potentially explosive sentiment among a growing number of St. Martiners, that better be recognized- and addressed.
Practically all politicians-, in private conversations admit that this situation- of 'foreign intervention' has become a very serious threat to the people of this island, including the politicians themselves, because naturalized citizens have been allowed the possibility to totally take over politics on the island.
And with that 'political take-over' comes the total control of government and of everything on the island.
This to us is the most ugly- and most dangerous aspects of our political campaign.
It is time therefore that we realize that we are at a very crucial cross roads in this aspect as well.
Our strong recommendation would be for all political leaders of both sides the island to recognize the above-mentioned issues-, take on their responsibilities-, rise to the occasion and come together to chart a new way forward.
A new 'Unified St.Martin Order' aimed at restoring- and respecting the St. Martiners as 'key-constituents' and placing them at the 'core' of our very existence and development as St. Martiners- and as a country.
In ending, we think it needless to emphasize that our grassroots St. Martin nation building- and unification movement will once more make itself available- for this coming together of our political leaders and/or lead the way if necessary.
drs.Leopold JAMES
President St. Martin grass roots nation building movement
And proud-, native indigenous St. Martiner.
