As we approach the elections this Friday, March 21, the political landscape in Curaçao is becoming more intriguing by the day. While we had planned to analyze the opposition parties MAN/PIN and PAR today, we find it necessary to first discuss the KEM party before delving into these major contenders.
Four years ago, KEM entered the political arena with Michelangelo “Low” Martines at the helm. With significant financial backing, he managed to secure a seat in Parliament in 2021. Despite not being invited to join the governing coalition, Martines proved to be an effective opposition member. However, almost three years into his term, he was arrested on charges of money laundering and drug smuggling. His legal team has repeatedly attempted to secure his release pending trial, but the judge has remained firm in keeping him in custody.
Martines’ arrest had profound consequences for his party. Unable to lead KEM or retain his parliamentary seat, he was forced to step down. This led to Anthony Godett, a well-known but not particularly popular politician who was second on KEM’s candidate list, taking his place in Parliament. Meanwhile, Jason Fullinck assumed leadership of the party.
After the fall of the MFK-PNP government, KEM was invited to join the new coalition with the promise of a ministerial position. Fullinck was the intended candidate for this role, but he reportedly failed the mandatory screening process. This incident only added to the cloud of controversy surrounding KEM, raising further doubts about the party’s credibility.
As election day nears, KEM faces an uphill battle to retain its seat in Parliament. The party’s image has been tarnished, and its influence appears to be waning. Many of its former voters are expected to shift their support to the governing party MFK or to the newcomer Miho Korsou, led by businessman Gilbert Ricardo, who is appealing to the same voter base that once backed KEM.
With the political tide shifting, the upcoming election could mark the end of KEM’s brief but tumultuous presence in Parliament. The party’s fate now rests in the hands of the voters, who will decide whether it remains relevant or fades into political obscurity.
