With the presentation of four candidate lists on Wednesday, the campaign for next month's elections has officially kicked off. This will not have escaped many, seeing all the political propaganda along the various roads.

While some have criticised the flags, posters and billboards as polluting the island's scenery in the past, they are very much a part of political tradition in St. Maarten. The same thing goes for the often rather loud public meetings that can be expected in the days and weeks to come.

The campaign materials are only temporary, of course, and do make the Dutch side quite colourful during a month or so. The party gatherings can also be seen as social events that bring people together and where, in addition to speeches and discussion, there is often music, food and drink for those present to enjoy.

The political activities may incidentally have an impact on, for example, traffic at times, despite the best efforts of local authorities to avoid such. Whatever inconvenience they may bring, it is important to remember that this is all part of the process on an island where elections at least continue to be fair and free.

The enthusiasm that no doubt will be displayed by supporters of the parties in the race therefore should not be considered a nuisance, but rather a popular expression and proof that democracy is still very much alive in St. Maarten. The right to vote, for which many have fought and died elsewhere, remains a sacred one, so people should inform themselves well during the campaign period, to make the best possible use of that right come September 17.