WILLEMSTAD - In a significant disclosure from the Electoral Council (ER), it has been revealed that only two political parties, PAR and MAN, met the deadline for submitting their annual reports and financial statements for the year 2023. This adherence is mandated by the party financing law, underscoring the challenges faced by political entities in maintaining transparency and accountability. 

Under the regulations, all political parties are required to file comprehensive annual reports and financial summaries by April 1st each year. These documents are expected to detail aspects of party governance, membership statistics, financial contributions received, and expenditures incurred throughout the reporting period. 

The ER, responsible for overseeing compliance with electoral laws, forwards these financial disclosures to the Government Accountants Bureau (SOAB) for thorough examination and verification. This rigorous process aims to uphold standards of transparency and integrity within the political landscape of Curaçao. 

The limited compliance demonstrated in 2023 raises questions about the enforcement and efficacy of the party financing regulations, highlighting potential gaps in oversight and the need for greater adherence across all political factions. As political accountability remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, the ER continues to emphasize the importance of timely and accurate financial reporting to bolster public trust and ensure fair electoral practices.