The Longstanding Concerns Over Democracy in Curaçao
September 4, 2024
Concerns about democracy in Curaçao did not begin in the 1990s; they have deep historical roots. In 1895, Abraham Chumaceiro, a notable figure in Curaçaoan history, posed a provocative question in his work: Zal het kiesrecht Curaçao tot het kannibalisme voeren? (Will suffrage lead Curaçao to cannibalism?) This stark statement reflects the significant anxieties of the time regarding the introduction of voting rights and their potential consequences for the island’s future.
Chumaceiro was responding to the ideas of other intellectuals, notably S.E.L. Hamelberg, who were part of the broader discourse on democracy in Curaçao. However, even before Chumaceiro, Generaux de Lima had already sparked discussions about suffrage in 1869, showing that these concerns have a long history on the island.
Chumaceiro supported a cautious approach, advocating for census-based suffrage where voting rights would be granted only to those deemed sufficiently prepared and educated. He believed the broader population needed to develop further before full suffrage could be safely implemented. Despite his concerns, Chumaceiro was optimistic and convinced that democracy could eventually flourish in Curaçao if introduced carefully and at the right time.
This optimism is particularly interesting when considering the current state of democracy in Curaçao. Would Chumaceiro, who believed that with careful preparation, democracy could thrive, be satisfied with our progress? Or would he express concern over the ongoing challenges that our democratic institutions face today?
Reflecting on these historical debates, it is clear that the journey toward a fully realized democracy in Curaçao has always been complex and charged with challenges. The insights of figures like Hamelberg, Chumaceiro, and de Lima remind us that democracy requires constant vigilance and evaluation. As we continue to traverse our democratic path, their voices from over a century ago still resonate, urging us to critically assess whether we uphold the ideals and aspirations they envisioned for our society.
Miguel Goede
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