PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – Former President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi says he will take up his seat in the National Assembly, as he pledged to uphold the principles of the opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP).
Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday to observe the birthday of the late VHP founder, Jagernath Lachmon, the former president, who lost the May 25 general elections, told reporters, “I was elected as a representative of the people. My responsibility is to serve the people, even from the opposition”.
Santokhi stated that the VHP’s position as the sole opposition party presents a challenging task. Still, he would focus on dialogue, communication, and bridge-building in Parliament, with the interests of the people at the forefront.
“You’re not there as a party leader or former president, but as a parliamentarian. And that demands a strong role, in terms of dialogue and communication,” he said, adding that he has already sent a letter to Speaker Ashwin Adhin, regarding his return to the National Assembly.
A date is expected to be set when legislators next meet, and Santokhi said that, however small, Suriname can contribute to global and regional peace.
“We must transcend all differences and take a national position as a country. Peace begins in the heart, and that is the message we can also convey internationally,” he said, referring to Lachmon’s legacy.
Lachmon’s birthday, which was declared a Day of National Brotherhood and Unity by the then-Santokhi government in 2020, coincides with the International Day of Peace, proclaimed by the United Nations.
“International peace begins locally, in how we treat each other. It is our duty as Surinamese to safeguard and promote that peace,” said the VHP in his address on Sunday, noting that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country still faces tensions and divisions, partly fueled by statements on social media.
Santokhi warned that such outbursts undermine solidarity and that political parties and leaders have a responsibility to condemn them vigorously.
“For Lachmon, brotherhood wasn’t a thing of the past, but a future. That’s the message we must convey to our young people,” he said, noting that despite the VHP’s current role in the opposition, the party remains determined to continue Lachmon’s legacy.
“We are there for all Surinamese people, regardless of background or political affiliation. That is our responsibility, and we will continue to bear it.”
In a statement, the VHP said Lachmon’s vision was based on balance and mutual respect, and that his commitment to promoting harmony among members of the population earned him widespread recognition, both nationally and internationally.
“Our society can only flourish when we find common ground in a shared interest: peace, unity, and progress. Fraternization is not a luxury, but a necessity,” the VHP said, calling on society to keep Lachmon’s dream alive and work together for a peaceful and prosperous Suriname.
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