WILLEMSTAD – As Curaçao citizens made their way to the polls on March 21, 2025, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they cast their votes in a crucial parliamentary election. According to the latest polls, the Movimiento Futuro Korsou (MFK), under the leadership of Prime Minister Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas, was projected to secure a staggering 67 percent of the votes, particularly from younger voters aged 18 to 39.
By noon on election day, over 25,000 people had already participated in the voting process. The Konseho Supremo Elektoral (KSE) confirmed that out of 111,781 eligible voters, a total of 25,133 individuals had cast their ballots by noon. Polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m., with all but one station opening on time. Only one station experienced a slight delay, opening at 8:50 a.m. due to lighting issues.
The voting day was widely covered online, with live updates available through Curaçao.nu, where journalists Dick Drayer and Maarten Schakel provided real-time coverage from various polling locations. Furthermore, a special live broadcast began at 18:45 to discuss the anticipated election results. The Electoral Council was optimistic about counting all votes before midnight.
Throughout the day, prominent party leaders participated in the voting process, each at different polling locations. Rennox Calmes of Trabou Pa Korsou voted at Goiloschool at 8:00 a.m., followed by Giselle Rosalia of Kousa Promé at Kolegio San Dominio at 9:00 a.m., Jason Fullinck from KEM at 11:00 a.m., and several others, including Gilmar Pisas who voted at 15:00.
After the polls closed at 19:00, the counting of votes commenced. Despite a parliamentary system comprising 21 seats across eight parties, the MFK appeared poised for a noteworthy victory, forging ahead as the ruling party. The MFK was founded in 2010 by former Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte, and its influence has continued to grow since the last elections in 2021.
A striking element of this election was the public's voting behavior. Surveys indicated that only ten percent of voters based their decisions on party programs, while the remainder made choices guided by feelings, personal loyalty, or individual candidate promises. This trend emphasized the emotional connection voters have with candidates, particularly resonating with the youth, where MFK enjoyed an overwhelming 89 percent support rate.
The campaign efforts of MFK, especially their active presence on social media, have played a significant role in connecting with young voters, with the party reportedly publishing over ten messages daily on various platforms. Political analyst Cyriel van der Vegt noted that while other parties struggle with outdated campaign strategies, MFK successfully engages voters through emotional appeals.
In stark contrast, the opposition faced significant challenges, with the PAR party predicted to earn a mere four percent of votes. Many were uncertain about the identities of PAR's candidates, leading to a crisis within the opposition parties.
As the evening progressed, anticipation built regarding the final results, with a voter turnout of nearly 69 percent—though this marked a decline from the close to 74 percent turnout seen in 2021. The enthusiastic presence of supporters at polling locations demonstrated the community’s engagement, particularly around remote locations where Pisas and his finance minister, Javier Silvania, cast their votes.
Silvania, who has made a splash since his political debut four years prior, was recently recognized in an opinion poll as the most trustworthy politician, garnering admiration for his charismatic leadership style. His rising popularity has sparked discussions about potential internal dynamics within the MFK, especially as election results rolled in.
Face-offs among supporters at polling booths provided a lively backdrop to the proceedings, where interactions sometimes required police mediation, such as at polling station 69, where a woman refused to leave her voting booth. Nevertheless, the day proceeded with a manageable level of incidents, reported to be primarily peaceful apart from a few minor disruptions.
Following the closure of the polls, viewers continued to tune in for live election analysis via various platforms including Curaçao.nu and social media channels. With MFK exhibiting a strong lead all day, voters expressed their eagerness to hear the final count.
As the night drew on, the Dominio was set to announce the final results, with expectations that MFK could secure an outright majority—a feat not seen since the former Netherlands Antilles in 1963 and 1967, both of which crumbled due to internal conflicts shortly after assuming power. However, analysts remain cautious about the sustainability of MFK's majority if it materializes.
The election day on March 21 marked a significant chapter in the political history of Curaçao, echoing the evolving trends within the electorate, their voting preferences, and the prevailing sentiment toward established political dynamics. With the results yet to unfold entirely, the impact of this election looms large over the future governance of the island.
