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Metal detectors to check for mobile phones
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Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in polling stations and metal detectors will be used to ferret out hidden phones.
Campaign billboards alongside public roads may not exceed six metres by six metres (20 feet by 20 feet), “considering” that it is “the hurricane season.” In case of a storm, all materials must be removed in a “timely” manner and remain down until “further notice” when a go-ahead is issued by the police.
On Election Day, no “politically-tinted” parades, gatherings or activities to attract the public “are allowed in a distance of 200 metres from the polling stations.” Further, no one is allowed in front of or on the grounds and/or surrounding areas of the polling station, except those persons who are there to actually honour and exercise their right to vote.
Also on Election Day, police will pay “extra attention” to public drunkenness and other types of nuisance and offensive behaviour.
Audio of public speeches can be recorded by police to determine afterward whether speakers have complied with the limits of freedom of expression. The Prosecutor’s Office will judge whether the limits of the freedom of expression were violated.
No gatherings will be allowed between midnight and 8:00am. No public events are allowed on Election Day or the day prior to Election Day.
It is not allowed to block the entrance and/or exit of a building, to use sound amplifiers such as microphones, speakers or megaphones if in the opinion of the police these are too loud, and for the public and participants in the manifestation to abuse the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
It is prohibited to set up flags, banners and publicity signs on the bridges and the Simpson Bay causeway, and to put material on or around the roundabouts “in such a way that it can hinder the traffic.”
The guidelines were drafted by the Justice Minister based on National Ordinance on Public Manifestations, the General Police Ordinance, Public Traffic Ordinance and the Penal Code of St. Maarten.
Campaigning not allowed in 200 metres of polling station
