MARIGOT--Louis Mussington, Presidential candidate François Hollande's official representative in St. Martin, is calling on French citizens to vote in large numbers next Saturday, April 21, and not show the sort of apathy towards national elections that has led to criticism of St. Martin in the past.
"At a time when we are in a grave financial situation here in the Collectivité, this is exactly the time we should be exercising our civic duty by voting and sending a signal to the government in France that we need help," he said. "This can come in the form of grants or other special attention. The voters should not underestimate the importance of this election for St. Martin."
Mussington said he was disappointed that President Richardson had not brought up the importance of the national election at his first press conference, given he was the one to say how bad the Collectivite's financial situation is.
The election will have ten candidates, including François Holland and Nicolas Sarkozy, who are the front runners.
"I'm strongly advocating that we give François Hollande our support, because we have seen the non-performance of the Nicolas Sarkozy government," he added. "He completely abandoned us. We expected to get compensation for the loss of the 12 million euros Octroi de Mer pay out from Guadeloupe when we changed the status, but up to now we have had no response from his government. We've only had two visits from the Minister of Overseas Territories, which came to nothing also. It's a major reason why I think voters should not place their confidence in Sarkozy. To the contrary, I believe François Hollande will be more sympathetic to St. Martin's urgent needs."
Hollande has pledged to release 500 million euros for investment in the overseas departments as part of his manifesto, and launching of a public investment bank.
"This will help us in terms of infrastructure, road networks, sewage and water networks, constructing a new senior citizens home, and waterfront projects. It's an opportunity to tap into those resources for St. Martin. Education is also high on his agenda and that fits with our needs to. There are areas that were already discussed for the overseas departments."
"I believe it will be in St. Martin's interest to support Hollande. The polls are already indicating a clear victory for him on May 6."
The thirteen polling stations that were used for the local Territorial Council election will be used again. Mussington said he has asked the Préfet to keep the polling stations open until 7:00pm for the Adventist community voters and hopes this will be granted.
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