WILLEMSTAD – As Curaçao prepares to celebrate Democracy Day on March 21, 2025, political movement MAN-PIN reaffirms its commitment to democratic values, including the fundamental freedoms embedded in the island’s political system. The party highlights its concerns over growing threats to democracy and proposes concrete actions to enhance citizen participation in governance.
MAN-PIN stresses that voting rights and the ability to freely elect parliamentary representatives are enshrined in Curaçao’s constitutional laws. Additionally, freedom of expression and press freedom remain essential pillars of democracy. As part of its Vision and Governance Program, the party is introducing structured consultations and the establishment of a Neighborhood Council, ensuring that citizens have a voice in legislative and administrative decision-making.
Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
The party recalls the attempts to halt the 2017 elections by the first Pisas Cabinet (Pisas I) and how only the intervention of the Governor ensured that elections proceeded, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights. However, MAN-PIN warns that democratic backsliding has become a structural issue, particularly since the formation of Pisas II’s government following the April 2021 elections.
The party has raised multiple concerns about the current administration’s lack of transparency, citing the following issues:
Limited press access: Unlike the 2017-2021 government, Pisas II rarely holds press conferences, and when they do, they limit journalists’ ability to ask critical questions.
Government communication via social media: Since taking office, ministers have prioritized communication through their personal social media accounts, excluding approximately 30% of households that lack internet access, as identified in the 2024 census.
Censorship of critics: Individuals critical of ministerial policies are blocked from engaging on official government social media platforms.
Lack of parliamentary accountability: Ministers dictate when and how they will be held accountable in Parliament, undermining democratic checks and balances.
Political retaliation against the press: Journalists and media outlets have faced political retaliation, with some being denied government advertisements—a key revenue source for local media. Recently, a journalist was even forced to take leave until after the elections in what appears to be an act of censorship.
A Plan for Democratic Reform
MAN-PIN is determined to reverse these trends and has pledged to take decisive action within the first 100 days of governance. Key initiatives include:
Organizing a National Summit where all stakeholders, including citizens and civil society organizations, can contribute to shaping a more democratic government.
Introducing legislation for a Neighborhood Council, providing resources and training to ensure elected neighborhood representatives can effectively engage with the government.
Strengthening direct citizen participation, including anchoring the right of the public to propose legislation for parliamentary debate.
Reinstating weekly government press conferences, ensuring greater transparency and keeping citizens informed about government affairs.
Expanding government services to local communities, making public services more accessible and modernizing digital access to facilitate interaction with government institutions.
MAN-PIN emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard democracy and calls on all citizens to stand up for their rights. The party remains committed to promoting transparency, strengthening civic engagement, and ensuring fair governance in Curaçao.