WILLEMSTAD – The March 21, 2025 elections in Curaçao were conducted fairly, according to the Caricom Election Observation Mission (CEOM). However, the observers’ final report raises strong concerns about how the elections were organized, pointing to unequal campaign financing and risks of voter suppression during the February pre-elections. 

The CEOM noted that the ruling party MFK was the only political organization with “clearly superior resources” compared to its competitors. The mission is calling for electoral reforms to ensure greater transparency and fairness, including legal requirements for the disclosure of campaign donors and spending. 

Pre-election concerns 

The observers also criticized the pre-election process in February. On days when new parties had to secure enough votes to qualify for the ballot, MFK organized large public events. According to Caricom, this created the risk of voter suppression or undue influence. 

The mission recommends introducing legal safeguards to prevent parties from holding competing activities on such critical days, in order to preserve fairness in the process. 

Practical shortcomings 

Caricom also pointed to several logistical issues. Many polling stations lacked proper signage, and improvised voting booths had to be used. During the vote count, inexperience and poor organization led to delays and confusion. 

Additional incidents included elderly voters being influenced inside voting booths and mothers being forced to leave their babies outside in order to cast their ballots. Caricom urges better training for polling staff and revised rules to protect vulnerable groups. 

Need for reforms 

Despite the shortcomings, the CEOM confirmed that the election results reflect the will of the people. Still, the observers warned that without reforms Curaçao remains vulnerable to inequality and errors in its electoral process.