PHILIPSBURG–The Democrats 66, led by Alexander Pechtold, “will push for improved and respectful relations in the Dutch Kingdom, that is my fervent hope, in any case,” said Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams following the results of the Dutch Elections on Wednesday.

She extended congratulations to the people of the Netherlands and to the parties on their individual victories.

While D66 was not the big winner of the hotly contested battle for the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament, the party did capture the most ballots cast by Dutch nationals residing on St. Maarten who had the right to vote in the Dutch Elections.

Incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s VVD emerged as the biggest party in terms of total seats.

The next step is the formation of the next government for the Netherlands. The party factions, through the Second Chamber chairperson, will take lead in this process that used to be the role of the monarch.

Wescot-Williams said the many analyses of the election results in the Netherlands and the voting patterns established through polling make her more determined to push for voters education on St. Maarten “so that we too are challenged as political parties, not (only) as personalities of the respective parties, but more so on where we stand on issues.”

The voter education should include the reality of government/cabinet formations and the need to arrive at consensus and compromise on some issues in the interest of forming a government, she said.

Bron: Daily Herald