The 2024 general elections marked a turning point in Aruba's political landscape. They reflected the changing preferences of voters and the dynamic interplay between leadership, vision and public opinion. The elections brought significant changes for key figures such as Michiel Eman (AVP), Evelyna Wever-Croes (MEP) and Gerlien Croes (FUTURO) and highlighted broader trends in Aruban politics.
Michiel Eman and the AVP: A Struggle to Stay Relevant
Once a dominant force in Aruban politics, the Aruban People's Party (AVP) has experienced a sharp decline in support. Michiel Eman, the party's leader, saw a 20.86% drop in votes compared to 2021, with 5,277 votes in 2024, down from 6,668 in 2021.
AVP's challenges are due to several factors:
- Past full of Controversies: Corruption scandals, such as the 2017 conviction of AVP minister Paul Croes, have severely tarnished the party's reputation.
- Unstable Leadership: The resignation of former leader Mike Eman in 2017 created a vacuum, and attempts to regain trust have been slow and ineffective.
- Change in Public Opinion: Many voters have turned away from established parties because of dissatisfaction with traditional governance.
Although the AVP still has a presence in the political arena, the party faces an uphill battle to regain its former glory.
Evelyna Wever-Croes and MEP: The Power of Leadership
Prime Minister Evelyna Wever-Croes and the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) saw a decline in votes, with Wever-Croes receiving 6,474 votes in 2024, down 13.89% from the 7,518 votes in 2021. Despite this decline, her leadership remains a cornerstone of the MEP's success.
The keys to continued confidence in MEP:
- Progressive Leadership: As Aruba's first female prime minister, Wever-Croes embodies a shift toward inclusive and modern governance.
- Coalition building: MEP's ability to form stable coalition governments has enhanced its reputation as a collaborative party.
- Commitment to Integrity: The government's emphasis on transparency, through initiatives such as the Office of Integrity, has resonated with voters.
- Human-centered Policy: MEP's focus on social issues and citizen welfare has strengthened public confidence.
The continued growth of MEP highlights the importance of responsive leadership and ethical governance in maintaining voter confidence.
The Meteoric Rise of FUTURO and Gerlien Croes
Gerlien Croes, a former AVP member, caused a stir in the 2024 election by founding FUTURO and winning 4,492 votes-an astounding 134,08% increase from her 1,919 votes in 2021.
FUTURO's rapid growth is due to:
- A Fresh Vision: With its emphasis on transparency, better governance and regional development, FUTURO positioned itself as a credible alternative to traditional parties.
- Focus on Local Development: The party's emphasis on transforming San Nicolas into a cultural and artistic center resonated with regional voters.
- Appeal to Disappointed Voters: FUTURO successfully attracted voters dissatisfied with both AVP and MEP and offered a fresh political choice.
This unprecedented turnout shows the growing demand of Aruban voters for political diversity and innovation.
Broad Implications for the Political Landscape of Aruba
The 2024 elections reflect deeper trends in Aruban politics:
- Erosion of Established Forces: AVP's decline underscores a growing skepticism toward parties with a controversial past.
- Emergence of Alternatives: The success of FUTURO highlights the demand for new leadership and new ideas.
- Trust in Governance: MEP's strong results underscore the value of ethical, inclusive and effective leadership.
As Aruba moves forward, the results of the 2024 elections signal a transformative period, with voters demanding accountability, innovation and meaningful change. The political arena has become more dynamic, offering both challenges and opportunities to shape the island's future.
