Suriname’s election period begins January 13, 2025, with an inspection of the electoral roll at the Congreshal. Eligible voters can verify their information online or at 344 locations. The ruling VHP party aims for a stronger parliamentary position after losing seats in the past election. The registration will continue until February 12, ensuring all eligible citizens check their status before voting.
On January 13, 2025, Suriname’s Ministry of the Interior announced that the official election period will commence on Tuesday with an inspection of the electoral roll. The event will take place at the Congreshal, a convention center originally built for the 1999 Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit. The Ministry’s Director, Nasier Eskak, also unveiled the slogan and logo for the upcoming elections scheduled for May 25, 2025.
Eligible voters will have the opportunity to check the electoral roll both online and at approximately 344 locations throughout the country. Eskak emphasized the importance of this exercise, which will begin with around 100 sites, including markets and malls, to ensure that as many voters as possible can verify and correct any errors in their personal information before the February 12 deadline. Current records indicate over 401,000 registered voters.
Eskak urged all citizens who have reached or will reach the voting age of 18 by election day to confirm the accuracy of their data, using either an ID card, driver’s license, or a valid passport. Meanwhile, the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP), led by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, aims to secure at least 26 of the 51 National Assembly seats to maintain governance for a second term.
In the 2020 elections, the VHP won only 20 seats and had to form a coalition to govern, defeating the National Democratic Party (NDP) of the late Desi Bouterse, who passed away in December due to health complications. Mahinder Jogi, an executive member of the VHP, defended the coalition government’s record, highlighting achievements made despite financial challenges, while criticizing previous leadership under Geerlings-Simons for not preventing the country’s financial struggles.
This article is centered on the upcoming elections in Suriname, highlighting the preparations and procedural details as outlined by the Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Nasier Eskak. With the official election period set to begin, it reflects the government’s efforts to engage voters and ensure the electoral process is accessible and transparent. Additionally, the political context surrounding the ruling party’s aspirations serves as a backdrop to these preparations.
In conclusion, Suriname’s official election period is formally commencing, with significant efforts being made to facilitate voter participation in verifying electoral data. The ruling VHP party is preparing to contest elections again amid a challenging political landscape, striving to secure a majority for continued governance. The importance of voter engagement and accurate electoral records underscores the democratic processes in Suriname as the country approaches its May elections.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
