Sint Maarten MP Arrindell arrested for electoral fraud

Member of Parliament of St. Maarten, Akeem Arrindell of the United People's (UP), was arrested on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation into electoral fraud in the January 11, 2024 general elections. This was officially announced on Friday. His party immediately announced its support for Arrindell and claimed he was innocent.

On Wednesday, an investigating judge ordered the search of Arrindell's parliament office. Three people, including Arrindell's staff, were arrested. The public prosecutor's office suspects them of involvement in a criminal organization "for the purpose of buying votes for the benefit of a member of parliament."

The Public Prosecution Service warns of the danger of electoral fraud and vote buying in every election on the island. According to the Ministry of Justice, these are "serious criminal offenses that jeopardize the integrity of elections and encourage corruption." The goal of the ongoing investigation called 'Aconitum' is to maintain the fairness and foundations of the democratic process, Curacao.nu reports.

If a party wins seats in parliamentary elections on Sint Maarten, they do not necessarily go to the people who are highest on the list but to those with the most personal votes. There is no preference threshold, as in the Netherlands. According to critics, this system encourages vote fraud because it is very important for politicians to get personal votes.

The investigation into vote buying is still ongoing. The local police, who will work with the Curaçaoan and Dutch and military personnel in the coming weeks, are calling on citizens to report politically punishable acts via a special anonymous tip line, NOS reports.

Following his arrest on Thursday, Arrindell has since been released but remains a prime suspect in the case, according to the Dutch broadcaster.