WILLEMSTAD – Thaise Isidora Lo-A-Njoe has been re-elected as president of the police union NAPB Curaçao, securing a third consecutive term at the helm of the organization. However, the election was marked by a disappointing voter turnout, with less than a quarter of eligible members casting a ballot.
The election took place Wednesday evening at the union’s headquarters. Of the more than 500 members eligible to vote, only 119 participated in the election.
Isidora Lo-A-Njoe received 69 votes, defeating challenger Jurgen Faneyt, who garnered 48 votes. The remaining votes were either blank or invalid.
Concern Over Low Participation
Despite her victory, Isidora Lo-A-Njoe expressed disappointment with both the low turnout and the number of votes she received.
In an initial reaction following the results, she said she had hoped for stronger participation from the membership, particularly considering the work carried out by the union leadership over the past six years.
The low turnout means that fewer than one in four eligible members took part in deciding the future leadership of the organization, raising questions about member engagement within the union.
Beginning of a Third Term
Under NAPB statutes, elections for the union’s board and congress must be held every three years.
For Isidora Lo-A-Njoe, the result marks the beginning of a third term as president. She was first elected to lead the union in September 2020 and successfully retained the position during elections held in June 2023.
With her latest victory, she will continue to serve as president for another three-year period.
Key Voice for Police Officers
The NAPB plays an important role in representing police officers and advocating for their interests on issues such as working conditions, salaries, benefits, staffing levels, and occupational safety.
During her previous terms, Isidora Lo-A-Njoe has been a prominent voice in discussions involving law enforcement personnel and labor relations within the police force.
As she begins her new mandate, one of the challenges facing the union leadership may be strengthening engagement among members and encouraging greater participation in future elections and union activities.
The newly elected leadership is expected to continue addressing issues affecting police officers while representing the interests of its members in discussions with government authorities and police management.