Although the National Democratic Party (NDP) provisionally won 18 seats in the elections, the party is seeking a coalition with the NPS, BEP and A20, among others, to collectively reach 26 seats. This would strategically position the party to form a new government. Yet this alliance is numerically insufficient to elect the president directly through The National Assembly (DNA).
Under the Constitution, the election of the president in the DNA requires a two-thirds majority: at least 34 votes out of 51. Failing that majority, the decision is transferred to the United People's Assembly (VVV), where members of the district and resort councils also vote. In the VVV, a simple majority is sufficient. That makes the situation precarious: The NDP cannot appoint a president on its own, even with its current alliance.
Meanwhile, party chair Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has formally received the support of the NDP leadership as a presidential candidate. A notable moment in this was the open declaration of support from Vice Chairman Ashwin Adhin, who had earlier expressed ambitions to become president himself. "She has the most votes, so a man a man, a word a word," he declared to Starnieuws. With that, unity within the party leadership - at least outwardly - seems to have emerged around Simons' candidacy.
However, the battle is far from over. In view of the VVV, in which the balance of power is broader than in the DNA, negotiations between the major parties remain crucial. The VHP, which is also holding talks with potential coalition partners, could still be decisive in that setting.
The next few weeks will determine who will ultimately hold the highest office in Suriname. Political strategy, alliances and negotiating tactics now weigh more heavily than ever.
