Suriname’s official election period will start on Tuesday, focusing on verifying the electoral roll at 344 locations. The ruling VHP aims to secure at least 26 of 51 seats in the upcoming May 2025 elections. Voters are encouraged to check their registration details before the February 12 deadline.
PARAMARIBO, Suriname, (CMC) – The director of the Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Nasier Eskak, announced that the official election period in Suriname will commence on Tuesday. This initial phase involves an inspection of the electoral roll, which will be held at the Congreshal, a venue constructed for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit in 1999. Mr. Eskak further mentioned that the slogan and logo for the general elections scheduled for May 25, 2025, will also be unveiled during this period.
Eligible voters will have the opportunity to access the electoral roll both online and at approximately 344 designated locations across the nation. The initiative aims to engage as many voters as possible, beginning with around 100 locations, including various markets and shopping centers, allowing for necessary corrections to be made to the voters’ list before the cutoff date of February 12. Presently, the electoral roll lists over 401,000 voters, prompting Mr. Eskak to urge all citizens, especially those aged 18 and over, to verify their personal information.
In the political landscape, the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP), led by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, aims to secure at least 26 of the 51 seats in the National Assembly, thereby enabling them to govern for a subsequent term. The VHP secured 20 seats in the prior election and formed a coalition to assume power, succeeding the National Democratic Party (NDP) under former president Desi Bouterse, who passed away late last year after a prolonged battle with health issues and had been a fugitive from justice before his death.
Additionally, various VHP leaders, including executive member Mahinder Jogi, have defended the coalition’s efforts in governmental performance despite facing significant economic challenges. They noted that despite a hefty national debt and depleting treasury, substantial progress has been made in implementing projects that benefit the populace. Jogi pointed out that NDP chairwoman, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, had previously led the National Assembly for a decade, emphasizing the missed opportunities to rectify the country’s direction during her tenure.
The article informs readers about the upcoming election period in Suriname, highlighting critical steps such as electoral roll verification and the political ambitions of the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP). With the elections approaching in May 2025, the Ministry of the Interior has initiated the process to ensure all eligible voters can confirm their registration details, thus facilitating a transparent electoral process. The background context includes the pivotal role of the VHP’s previous election victory and the historical opposition under the NDP, particularly focusing on significant political changes following Desi Bouterse’s death and subsequent developments within the country’s governance.
In conclusion, Suriname’s electoral process is gearing up as the official election period begins, with a focus on ensuring voter verification and accuracy in the electoral roll. The ruling VHP is strategically aiming for a larger parliamentary presence to maintain power amidst economic challenges. This period is crucial for voters to actively engage and ensure their eligibility ahead of the elections on May 25, 2025.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
