COCI moves to introduce electronic voting, extend election hours for Chamber elections

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) has formally submitted a proposed National Decree Containing General Measures (LBHAM) to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, seeking to modernize the Chamber's election process through electronic voting and expanded voting hours. The initiative is intended to make COCI elections more accessible to registered businesses while strengthening transparency, accountability, and participation in the institution's governance.

The proposal follows draft amendments to the National Ordinance on the Establishment and Organization of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AB 2013, GT No. 618). These amendments would provide the legal basis for introducing electronic voting and extending election hours until 3:30 p.m., while the proposed National Decree would establish the procedures, responsibilities, and operational requirements governing implementation of the electronic voting system.

According to COCI, the proposed changes are designed to address practical barriers that may prevent eligible business owners from participating in Chamber elections, particularly those whose daily business responsibilities make it difficult to vote within existing hours. By extending voting opportunities and introducing digital technology, the Chamber hopes to encourage broader participation and improve confidence in its electoral process.

The initiative was developed under the leadership of COCI President Tamara Leonard and the current Board of Directors, which has prioritized institutional modernization, improved governance, and stronger engagement with the business community.

During the official submission to Minister Heyliger-Marten, COCI Board Member Nzinga Lake emphasized that improving accessibility is an important part of strengthening the Chamber's representative role.

"Modernizing our electoral process means empowering more businesses to participate, strengthening transparency, and ensuring every eligible voice has an opportunity to be heard."

COCI Board Member Annuska Friday similarly emphasized that the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen institutional accountability and public confidence, rather than simply replace existing election procedures with new technology.

"Digital transformation is not just about technology; it is about building trust, strengthening good governance, and creating a more efficient and accessible Chamber."

The legislative initiative also reflects the Chamber's investment in expanding its policy division. According to COCI, the expansion has strengthened its internal capacity to conduct legislative research, develop policy proposals, and contribute to national discussions about business services, governance, and institutional effectiveness.

COCI views the submission as an important development in its ability to propose legislative solutions addressing the needs of the business community. The Chamber said the initiative demonstrates how institutional policy development can support practical reforms aimed at improving the way businesses participate in decisions affecting their representation.

The proposed electronic voting framework would also require safeguards to ensure the integrity, reliability, and transparency of Chamber elections. COCI indicated that the selection of an electronic voting system would be conducted through open and fair procurement procedures, with appropriate oversight and compliance requirements.

Implementation could also create opportunities involving compliance, auditing, data oversight, administration, and governance functions. However, these opportunities would depend on the eventual approval and implementation of the proposed legislative framework.

COCI said the initiative is consistent with the government's broader digital modernization objectives, including the Digital Government Transformation Project, which seeks to improve public services and administrative processes through technology.

The Chamber emphasized that the proposed changes will require cooperation among government, Parliament, and private-sector stakeholders. The Minister of TEATT would also exercise responsibilities under the proposed National Decree, making continued collaboration with the ministry an important part of the legislative process.

Although the proposal has now been submitted, the electronic voting system and extended election hours have not yet been approved or implemented. Further legislative consideration and the necessary government decisions will be required before the proposed changes can take effect.

COCI is calling for constructive cooperation throughout that process, emphasizing that the objective is to establish an electoral system that is more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the realities faced by St. Maarten's business community.

Under President Leonard's leadership, the Board considers the proposal part of its wider efforts to strengthen the Chamber's institutional framework and ensure that its governance practices continue to evolve alongside the needs of registered businesses.

The Chamber said it remains committed to working with the Ministry of TEATT, Parliament, and other stakeholders to advance the proposed reforms and develop a secure and transparent electoral system that encourages greater business participation.

‍