Sint Maarten to vote again on July 18 after collapse of government

Sint Maarten’s residents will head to the polls again on July 18 for new parliamentary elections, Governor Ajamu Baly announced earlier this week. The populace just voted on January 11, and the Cabinet there was formally introduced earlier this month.

Prime Minister Luc Mercelina announced the collapse of the government on Tuesday. A day earlier, he had already signed the national decree to dissolve parliament. This is a consequence of recent developments on the island.

Elections were held at Sint Maarten on January 11, and the new government took office on May 3. However, Member of Parliament Kevin Maingrette rescinded his support for the coalition, resulting in the government losing its majority in parliament.

Baly has decided that the new batch of parliamentarians must take their seats on August 19, giving cause to organize the elections on July 18. At the same time, he wants a moderator to help lead negotiations to investigate the possibility of forming a new coalition in the next few months.

Baly believes this could consist of the National Alliance and the UP Party, with Maingrette’s support. These two parties presented a coalition agreement with the independent politician’s support on Monday, shortly after Maingrette revoked his support.