The Avestruz corruption scandal, which discredited former minister Benny Sevinger, continues to overshadow the Aruba People's Party (AVP). While Sevinger was recently heavily convicted of bribery and fraud, AVP leader Mike Eman created new controversy by placing Sevinger's daughter, Stephany Sevinger, on the candidate list for the upcoming elections on Dec. 6. This is seen by critics as a "double corruption strategy" that further undermines the party.
Background on the Avestruz Case
In the Avestruz case, Benny Sevinger was convicted of illegally granting government land and abusing his ministerial power for the benefit of political allies. He received a prison sentence of 48 months, 12 of which were suspended, and a five-year ban from holding government positions or participating in elections. The scandal revealed widespread corruption, in which valuable government land was allocated to friendly business partners without transparent procedures.
"Double Corruption Strategy" by Nomination of Stephany Sevinger
Mike Eman's nomination of Stephany Sevinger has been sharply criticized as a strategic move that would continue the culture of corruption within the party. Critics claim that including Sevinger's daughter on the AVP list is not only morally irresponsible, but also makes the party doubly vulnerable to corruption. Stephany is considered to have been trained by her father and imbued with the same political tactics that led to his conviction.
"This move shows that the AVP is unwilling to come clean," said one political analyst. "By including Stephany, the AVP is opening the door for a continuation of the corrupt practices that Benny Sevinger is associated with. It is as if the party is making itself doubly corrupt".
Tensions and Criticism within the AVP
The nomination has caused major internal tensions within the AVP. Younger members of the party are outraged by Eman's choice, seeing it as a signal that the party is stuck in old patterns of cronyism and nepotism. Nevertheless, Eman defends the decision, which he describes as a "logical step" in the current political landscape. However, the party continues to struggle with its image and the public perception that personal ties continue to drive the political agenda, moving it further and further away from integrity.
The Future of the AVP and the Public Expectation
With the addition of Stephany Sevinger, the AVP seems to be reinforcing its image of corruption and nepotism. The public is now questioning the future of the party, which is increasingly known for strategic choices that place self-interest and family loyalty above public integrity. The nomination of Stephany Sevinger underscores the need for reform within the party, but confidence in an honest future for the AVP seems undermined by what many see as a "double down on corruption" strategy.
