Government release calls for constitutional referendum on Sint Maarten’s future

A Government of Sint Maarten release published on Monday 12 October called on Members of Parliament to resume electoral reform work and consider holding a constitutional referendum. The address, issued around Constitution Day, says Sint Maarten should examine whether its governmental structure is suited to the country’s size and needs.

The release argues that the dualistic system introduced on 10-10-10 is the main cause of frequent changes in government. It says the system, which separates elected representatives from executive office, added administrative costs and has hindered progress. These are assessments made in the address and were not independently verified by SXM Today.

The address says its author chaired Parliament’s electoral reform committee and worked on reforms involving the electoral system, political parties, parliamentary membership and ministerial screening. It also says the Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs and Decolonisation was established in November 2020 with MP Solange Duncan.

The release says the author did not attend the 10-10-10 celebrations for the first time since Sint Maarten attained its current status. It calls for examination of the costs of political instability, frequent government changes and the system’s accountability and efficiency.