Zero tolerance policy by
police on Election Day
PHILIPSBURG--Electoral and law enforcement authorities will be doing the necessary safeguarding to make sure that peace and order will be well kept in and around the polling stations on Friday, April 20, when the election for members of the Island Council will take place.
Police will be applying a zero tolerance policy to any disturbance that may occur.
Head of the Main Voting Bureau Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards said during a press briefing on Wednesday that the penal code of the Netherlands Antilles, article 134, stated that he who intentionally impersonated another person and participated in a legally prescribed election would be punished with a prison term of a maximum of one year.
“We all have noticed that the election campaign has become quite heated in some cases, but the general public is asked to note that on Election Day itself the public is expected to remain calm and allow others to cast their votes as well,” Richards said. The penal code states also in article 131 that he who obstructs a person from casting his vote freely and unhindered during a legally prescribed election will be punished with a prison term of a maximum of one year.
Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henderson said the police had a zero tolerance policy and if anyone was drunk and not behaving in a respectful manner, the police Quick Response Team would come into action.
Richards reminded those present that the ban on the sale of alcohol on Election Day had been lifted. “I’m making an appeal to the people of St. Maarten to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. Should anyone behave disorderly in or around the polling station or in the street, the police will take immediate action.”
Another issue that will be closely monitored during the election is the taking of photographs inside of polling stations. “Cellular phones are not allowed and must be turned off prior to entering the polling station.”
Prominently displayed inside all polling stations will be signs indicating that cellular phones, cameras and video cameras may not be on at the time the voter enters the polling station. Though there is no law stating this prohibition, Richards made a strong appeal to all voters not to use phones or video cameras.
He pointed out that letters have reached his office indicating that votes were being sold and bought, and therefore he had taken precautionary measures. “If caught in any fashion or manner indicating that you have sold your vote, you will be punished by law,” Richards said
Finally, the Lt. Governor reminded all political parties and candidates that they were responsible for the removal of political propaganda in the streets immediately after the election. “The immediate removal of these materials is particularly of essence this year, considering the amount of political propaganda visible.”
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