2026 Senate elections: a highly sought-after seat
On 27 September, half of the Senate (178 seats) will be elected by indirect universal suffrage. The public has no say in the matter, as it is the electors who vote – namely the Member of Parliament, the outgoing senator and the members of the territorial council. Candidates may submit their applications from Monday 7 September until 6.00 pm on Friday 11 September.
Since 2011, candidates must be at least 24 years of age to stand for election and must be in full possession of their civil rights. As Saint Martin elects only one senator, the election is held using a two-round majority voting system, with both rounds taking place on the same day. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of the votes cast and a number of votes at least equal to a quarter of the registered electors. If no candidate meets both these conditions, a second round is held. A relative majority is then sufficient to secure election. In the event of a tie, the older candidate wins. The newly elected senator will take up their post on 1 October for a six-year term. Voting is compulsory for members of the electoral college. Absence without a valid reason is punishable by a fine of €100.
Annick Pétrus takes stock
As the election approaches, the Saint-Martin seat is attracting keen interest, and rumours suggest that many candidates will stand against Annick Pétrus, a member of the Les Républicains group. Elected on 27 September 2020, she has published a review of her term in office and reflects on the groundwork she has carried out, including initiatives concerning the hospital, medical evacuations, the return of teachers from the territory, the Mission Locale, support for businesses, the ‘Ni-Ni’ issue, the strengthening of gendarmerie resources and the creation of the STIS. She also outlines the parliamentary work carried out on maritime strategy, mental health, disability issues in the overseas territories and the adaptation of the law to the realities of the overseas territories. During her six years at the Palais du Luxembourg, she has authored five reports, tabled more than 50 questions to the government, initiated two committees of inquiry and secured the adoption of 16 amendments. On Monday morning, she submitted her candidacy to the Prefecture, with Alexandre Choisy as her deputy. Her priorities will remain access to healthcare for all, the issue of the ‘Ni-Ni’ group, as well as tackling substandard housing, the high cost of living and strengthening cooperation with Sint Maarten.
