WILLEMSTAD - A group of citizens, led by spokesperson Faselda ‘Chela’ Thodé, is calling for the recognition of blank votes as valid in elections. Currently, blank votes are considered invalid according to the electoral regulations of Curaçao.
Thodé and her supporters want blank votes, which are cast intentionally, to be recognized as legitimate votes. They argue that the current system is unjust to voters who take the effort to go to the polls and consciously cast blank votes. “A blank vote is a clear signal of dissatisfaction and should be recognized as such,” Thodé stated.
According to Thodé, a legislative amendment could ensure that blank votes are counted in the distribution of seats. This could mean that, if there are enough blank votes, blank seats could be created in the Parliament.
Thodé emphasizes that this proposal has been discussed in many other countries and is therefore not new. “This could be a powerful signal from the population that they disagree with the current state of affairs on the island,” she said. The initiators want a similar discussion to take place on the island as well. Recently, they submitted a proposal to amend the Electoral Regulations to the Electoral Council. The initiators hope that their proposal leads to greater awareness and recognition of the blank vote as an important democratic instrument.