WILLEMSTAD – A recent fourth-quarter report from the Parliament of Curaçao highlights that some parliamentarians rarely participate in debates and committee meetings. The findings, published by the parliamentary registry office, reveal low attendance and limited speaking time in both public meetings and parliamentary committees.
Disparities in Participation
The report, which analyzes the activities of Members of Parliament (MPs) during the last three months of 2024, shows significant differences in engagement levels. While some MPs actively contribute to discussions, others rarely speak during sessions. The most active contributions came from members of the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) and Movementu di Pueblo (MAN), who spoke 13 and 11 times, respectively, during agenda items in public meetings.
Committee and Question Hour Attendance Remains Low
Attendance at Central Committee and other parliamentary committee meetings was generally low, with some committees barely holding meetings or experiencing the absence of multiple MPs.
Additionally, Parliament's "Question Hour", where MPs have the opportunity to question ministers, saw varying levels of participation. While some MPs regularly engaged, others did not ask any questions at all, raising concerns about how effectively elected officials are fulfilling their duties.
Accountability for Voters
The report provides a detailed breakdown of meetings and speaking times for each MP. This transparency could be crucial for voters, helping them assess the commitment and performance of their elected representatives in Parliament.