SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – Two political parties had submitted applications for registration at the Electoral Council by October 11, deadline for application of registration of (new) political parties.

The two parties are Democratic Party and the Empire Culture Empowerment Association ECE, led by Nigel Wigley. Both parties have since received a decision on their application for registration.

The registration of the two political parties brings to 12, the total number of parties that are now registered at the Electoral Council and are eligible to contest the January Parliamentary elections. Already registered with the Electoral Council were United People’s Party (UP), United Democrats (UD), Party For Progress (PFP), People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA), Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW), St. Maarten Christian Party (SMCP), Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), National Alliance (NA), United St. Maarten Party (US Party) and Concordia Political Alliance.

Electoral Council Policy Advisor, Chris Hazel told The Daily Herald that the information on the new registrations will be published in the National Gazette and will also be posted on the government information page.