In a striking turn of events, the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) announced Wednesday night that it will not nominate presidential or vice presidential candidates for the election on Sunday, July 6. With this choice, the VHP emphatically places itself alongside the administration as a critical watchdog and mouthpiece for their constituents. The party, which came in second in the last parliamentary elections, argues that the current political relations do not provide a solid basis for participating in executive authority.
The deadline for candidacy expired at noon today; until then, the VHP had the opportunity to present its own ticket. In an official statement, the party leadership emphasized that it wants to use the coming period to "already secure the reforms achieved and to continue working from the opposition on socio-economic recovery and equal opportunities for every Surinamese." With 87,000 votes behind it, the VHP is counting on its position in The National Assembly to "contribute constructively-critically to policy, with an eye for stability and justice."
At the same time, the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) confirmed its endorsement of the candidacy of Jenny Simons for the presidency as well as Gregory Russia for the vice presidency. "After intensive deliberation and with the advice of family and party members behind us, we choose not to keep society in uncertainty any longer," party chairman Ronnie Brunswijk stated during a press meeting. Although he did not hide his disappointment with the long decision-making process - "there is almost no wine left to turn into water" - he called it necessary to "put a clear end to this issue."
Brunswijk admitted that Russia's nomination was "a bitter pill," but said talks with NDP faction members led to a signed list that was eventually signed by all 34 DNA members, including his own signature. "If you can't fight the man, join them," the ABOP frontman said, adding that "the party deserves to have a say in the governance wagon." Despite discontent within the ranks, the ABOP "intends to continue firmly with this mandate."
About the VHP, Brunswijk noted that he had been in contact with party leader Chandrikapersad Santokhi as recently as Monday. "They leave the door open to the opposition. That is a wise choice; it keeps dialogue possible." This seems to set the tone for a political arena in which both major parties choose to play the critical game, rather than co-ruling.
With the term of incumbent President Chan Santokhi expiring on July 16, the National Assembly will soon be left with the task of electing a new head of state. As the VHP prepares for sharp debates and the ABOP clinches its alliance with the NDP, a period of opposition dynamics awaits Suriname in which the contours of future policy are slowly taking shape.
