6 months Ago
NDP Holds a Narrow Lead Over VHP in ELXN
Preliminary election results indicate that Desi Bouterse's NDP, which he led into the poll, will take 18 seats, in a slight edge over President Santokhi's VHP party which obtained 17. Final results remain pending but substantial change does not seem to be in the offing. The current coalition has since included NDP, NPS, ABOP, PL, BEP, and A-20. This alliance now holds 34 seats, or two-thirds of seats in Suriname's 51-seat parliament which is necessary to elect a president.
Simons Gathers Broad Support During Shift in Political Winds
The coalition have elected Jennifer Simons with unanimous support. A presidency by her would be an unprecedented first for the nation.
Current vice-president Ronny Brunswijk and his party ABOP, who used to be part of Santokhi's government, have also entered the coalition. Simons emphasized that no government positions had been allocated yet, but the alliance is an indication of the hunger for a break.
In the announcement, NDP faction leader Ricardo Panka underscored the historical significance of the moment as he referred to Simons as a metaphor for forward movement. Both parties said a new government was needed urgently to deal with national issues of urgency and promised a government of transparency and sound economic policies -- particularly given expected oil revenues. Neither President Santokhi nor the party VHP has yet responded.
