Suriname’s official election period begins on Tuesday with electoral roll inspections. Eligible voters can verify their information online or at 344 locations throughout the country, with the exercise running until February 12. The ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP) aims to secure at least 26 seats in the National Assembly, building on its previous coalition success. The elections are significant following the death of former president Desi Bouterse and ongoing economic challenges.
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) – The director of the Ministry of the Interior, Nasier Eskak, officially announced that the country’s electoral period will commence on Tuesday with the review of the electoral roll. This process will take place in the Congreshal, a convention center established for the 1999 Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit. The election slogan and logo for the upcoming elections on May 25, 2025, will also be revealed. In addition to online access, eligible voters will have the opportunity to review the electoral roll in 344 designated locations across the nation.
Eskak indicated that the review will initially be facilitated at approximately 100 sites, including markets and shopping centers, to maximize voter outreach and allow for the correction of any discrepancies. The voter registration exercise will extend until February 12, 2025, after which no alterations to the electoral roll will be permitted. Current records indicate there are over 401,000 registered voters.
The director has urged all eligible citizens, particularly those who have attained or will attain the age of 18 by election day, to verify their details using an official identification card, driver’s license, or valid passport.
The ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP), led by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, is aiming for a significant victory, seeking to secure at least 26 of the 51 seats in the National Assembly to continue governing. Following their win of 20 seats in the 2020 general election, the VHP formed a coalition government, overthrowing the National Democratic Party (NDP) led by the late Desi Bouterse, who passed away in late December 2024 as a fugitive from justice.
At a recent VHP meeting in Nickerie, coalition member Mahinder Jogi defended the government’s performance, citing initiatives taken amidst significant national debt. Various officials, including Finance and Planning Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing, highlighted the administration’s development projects aimed at benefiting the populace across Suriname. Jogi also criticized the NDP chairwoman, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, for her previous leadership role where he believed she could have mitigated the country’s economic decline during her tenure in the National Assembly.
The upcoming elections in Suriname are a pivotal moment for the country as they occur against a backdrop of significant political change and economic challenges. Following the results of the 2020 elections which shifted power from the long-dominant National Democratic Party (NDP) to the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), the landscape of governance has been transformed. The passing of former president Desi Bouterse, amidst legal troubles and the decline in public trust toward political institutions, has further complicated the political environment. The electoral roll review process is an essential step in ensuring democratic integrity as citizens prepare to exercise their electoral rights. The establishment of various locations for public access to the electoral roll indicates a heightened level of government engagement with the electorate, aimed at correcting any potential errors before the crucial election date in May 2025.
In conclusion, the commencement of the official election period in Suriname symbolizes a significant step towards increased voter participation and the exercise of democratic rights. The Ministry of the Interior encourages citizens to actively engage in the electoral process by verifying their details, thereby promoting election integrity. The upcoming elections will not only determine the composition of the National Assembly but also reflect the public’s response to the current government’s performance amid ongoing economic challenges. As the VHP aspires to solidify its leadership, the broader implications for Suriname’s political future remain critical.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
