PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of former Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell for election fraud, confirming his involvement in vote-buying during the 2024 election period. In its final ruling, the court emphasized that such actions seriously undermine the integrity of democratic processes.
While acknowledging that election fraud typically justifies an unconditional prison sentence, the Court considered Arrindell’s personal circumstances and the social impact of the case. As a result, it imposed a one-year, fully suspended prison sentence with a three-year probation period. Additionally, Arrindell must complete 90 hours of community service.
The penalties also include significant professional and civic consequences. Arrindell is barred from serving as a police officer for six years and is disqualified from running in elections for the same duration.
In a related forfeiture case, the Court ordered Arrindell to repay Cg 75,372 in salary he received as an MP. The court found that this income was an unlawful financial advantage gained after he took a false oath on February 10, 2024, denying he had promised anything in connection with his election. Failure to pay this amount could result in a one-year prison sentence.
The Court of Appeal also confirmed the convictions of two co-defendants, F. and M. The judgment for F. remains in place, while M.’s sentence was adjusted to a fully suspended six-month prison term, three years of probation, and 90 hours of community service.