PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Chandrikapersad Santokhi is to meet on Friday with the 14 political organizations that participated in the May 25 elections as efforts continue to form a coalition government in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
The elections were held for the first time under a system of proportional representation, which necessitates the formation of coalitions. It is, therefore, unlikely that any single party will gain the two-thirds majority in the 51-seat Parliament required to appoint a new president, increasing the likelihood of lengthy negotiations, policy delays, and potentially unstable coalitions.
Several opposition parties, including the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), have already signed an agreement in principle to form a coalition government.
Just under 400,000 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots across the country, and the population is still awaiting the official outcome of the polls.
A statement issued by the Office of the President said Santokhi, whose Progressive Reform Party (VHP), according to the unofficial results, has won 17 seats, will meet with the political parties on Friday.
“The head of state has invited all parties based on his responsibilities based on the Constitution and article 9 of the decree on Political Organizations,” the statement said, adding that Santokhi will be informed about the latest developments regarding the election process, the insights of the political organizations about the election and its progress.
Unofficial results show that the NDP, with 18 seats, has emerged as the party with the most seats in the Parliament. In comparison, the National Party Suriname (NPS) and the General Liberation and Development Party (Abop) both have six seats; the Pertjajah Luhur (PL) took two, while Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP) and Alternative 2020 (A20) each have one seat.
The NDP, NPS, Abop, PL, BEP, and A20 signed a letter of intent on Tuesday to form the new government.
The Option for Suriname (Optsu), Democratic Alternative 1991 (DA ’91), De Nieuwe Leeuw, Arena Political Party, Democratic Unite Suriname, People’s Party Livable Suriname, and Party for Communication did not receive enough votes for a seat in the Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Suriname Business Forum (SBF) said it will develop a policy statement to present to the new government in Suriname.
“This advisory document will contain concrete recommendations for stimulating entrepreneurship, strengthening local content, and promoting a favorable investment climate in Suriname,” the SBF said in a statement.
It stated that during a meeting of its board of directors on Wednesday, the current socio-economic situation, the business climate, and the role of the SBF in this context were discussed.
“The SBF emphasizes the importance of a strong involvement of the private sector in formulating national policy, especially now that Suriname is facing important choices in the area of economic reform and sustainable development.”
It stated that the policy document will be drafted in close cooperation with SBF board members and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring it reflects the collective vision and priorities of the business community.
The SBF said that it remains committed to strengthening public-private partnerships and looks forward to “an open and constructive dialogue” with the new government.
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