WILLEMSTAD – Partido Democraat (DP) has announced that it will not participate in the elections on March 21. According to the party, taking part in the elections at this moment would be irresponsible and not in line with the core values of responsible leadership. New party leader Daniel Hodge will remain in place, mainly to restructure the party.
The party emphasizes that governing a country is a significant responsibility that requires a clear vision, optimal preparation, and sustainable solutions. "The current circumstances demand concrete planning and thorough preparation, and that is our priority right now," the party leadership stated in a press release.
Although the party recognizes that this decision may disappoint its supporters, DP believes this choice is essential. The party intends to take the time to further develop its plans, with the goal of bringing about real change that benefits the people of Curaçao.
In the press release, DP outlines its vision for the future of Curaçao. The party aspires to an island where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed in life, where safety is guaranteed, and where poverty is no longer a predominant issue. DP seeks to contribute to a fairer and more prosperous society by once again playing a key role in governing Curaçao.
Founded in 1944 by Efraïn Jonckheer, the Democratic Party (DP) is the oldest existing political party in Curaçao. With a liberal background, DP played a dominant role in the politics of the Netherlands Antilles, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. From 1954 to 1968, Jonckheer served as prime minister, making him the longest-serving premier in the history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the party lost influence following the May 30, 1969 uprising, caused by growing poverty and social inequality. In the following decades, DP's influence continued to decline, partly due to the rise of new political parties. Although the party briefly returned to the Eilandsraad in 2007 with one seat, it has since struggled to regain a foothold.