In a very exciting election result, Gerlien Croes, leader of the FUTURO party, has emerged as the key to forming Aruba's next government. The Aruban People's Party (AVP) defeated the ruling Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP), led by Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, by only 304 votes. This gave the AVP 6 seats in the first count. FUTURO, Croes' party, won 2 seats in the first count and gained 1 additional seat via a residual seat, bringing the party's total to 3 seats. The residual seats further shaped the political landscape: the AVP gained 3 additional seats and the MEP 2, bringing the AVP to 9 seats and the MEP to 8.
AVP's Narrow Victory
Mike Eman's AVP celebrated its victory over the MEP, indicating a possible power shift after years in opposition. The extremely small margin highlights the divisions among voters, but positions the AVP as the front-runner in coalition negotiations. Despite the victory, however, the AVP does not gain the 11 seats needed for a majority in Aruba's 21-member parliament, leaving the party dependent on coalition partners to govern.
The MEP: A Remarkable Achievement
Prime Minister Evelyn Weaver-Croes and her MEP faced a tough election after 7 years in power. Statistically, governing parties typically lose 2 to 5 seats after such a period. However, the MEP managed to lose only 1 seat, an achievement that reflects the resilience and continued confidence of a large portion of the electorate.
With eight seats, including residual seats, the MEP still has a significant presence in parliament and the party remains hopeful. "We are proud of the work we have done and confident in our ability to continue to lead," said Wever-Croes. "This election is not just about winning, but about ensuring a prosperous future for Aruba."
Gerlien Croes and FUTURO: The King Makers
In this political stalemate, Gerlien Croes, with her party FUTURO, plays a crucial role. With 3 seats in parliament, FUTURO has the power to tip the balance toward the AVP or MEP. A relatively new political party, FUTURO was founded with the promise of transparency, good governance and innovative solutions to Aruba's challenges. Croes' decision will likely be guided by these core values and her vision for a better future for Aruba.
A Moment of High Voltage
Aruba faces critical issues, including economic recovery, environmental sustainability and calls for administrative reform. The decision by Croes and FUTURO will not only determine the composition of the next government, but also affect the island's approach to these challenges.
Both the AVP and the MEP are actively seeking her support, knowing that the coalition she supports will lead Aruba in the coming years. Croes' decision, whether it falls to her former party or the current government, will determine the direction of the country.
What Now?
The people of Aruba, as well as its political leaders, are anxiously awaiting the choice of Gerlien Croes. Her decision is not only about forming a government, but also about defining the priorities and vision for the future of Aruba.
In this period of uncertainty, one thing is clear: Gerlien Croes and FUTURO have the power to change the political landscape of Aruba, and their choice will leave a lasting legacy.
