Local News
Mercelina government lost its majority in May 2024, leading to snap elections
On 20 May 2024 MP Kevin Maingrette withdrew his support from the coalition. Prime Minister Mercelina concluded the government had lost its majority, and the Governor ratified a decree dissolving Parliament.
By SXM Daily ยท
Reported 21 May 2024.
Sint Maarten's coalition government lost its majority in Parliament in May 2024, less than three weeks after it was sworn in, according to the Cabinet of the Governor.
What happened
According to the Governor's Cabinet, Member of Parliament Kevin Maingrette (NOW) withdrew his support from the URSM, PFP, DP and NOW coalition on 20 May 2024 and declared himself an independent MP. Governor Ajamu G. Baly met Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina the same day. The Prime Minister said he had concluded the government no longer had majority support and intended to dissolve Parliament and hold snap elections.
The Governor's Cabinet said the Governor also received a governing accord, dated 20 May, signed by eight MPs: the NA and UP members and Maingrette.
Dissolution decree
On 21 May the Prime Minister presented a draft decree dissolving Parliament, and the Governor ratified it. The ministers made their portfolios available, and the Governor asked them to keep working until a decision on their resignation. He started consultations on forming a next government the same day.
The decree first set elections for 18 July 2024. The snap elections were later held on 19 August 2024, the Governor's Cabinet said in November 2024.
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240909123238/https://kabgsxm.com/news-entry.aspx?language=EN&id_news=263
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251222234139/https://www.kabgsxm.com/news-entry.aspx?language=EN&id_news=271