Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi announced Sunday that he will take up his seat in the National Assembly, reaffirming his commitment to serve as a representative of the people and uphold the principles of the opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP).
Speaking at a ceremony marking the birthday of late VHP founder Jagernath Lachmon, Santokhi—who lost the May 25 general elections—said his role in Parliament will focus on dialogue, communication, and bridge-building despite the challenges of leading the country’s only opposition party.
“I was elected as a representative of the people. My responsibility is to serve the people, even from the opposition,” Santokhi told reporters. “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 confirmed that he has sent a letter to Speaker Ashwin Adhin regarding his return, with a date to be set when legislators next meet.
Santokhi also underscored Suriname’s potential to contribute to global and regional peace, invoking Lachmon’s legacy of unity. “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.
Lachmon’s birthday, declared a Day of National Brotherhood and Unity by the Santokhi government in 2020, coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. The former president used the occasion to warn against social media rhetoric that fuels division, urging political leaders to condemn inflammatory statements.
“For Lachmon, brotherhood wasn’t a thing of the past, but a future. That’s the message we must convey to our young people,” Santokhi said, vowing that the VHP will continue to champion peace and inclusion despite its current opposition status.
In a statement, the VHP reaffirmed Lachmon’s vision of balance and mutual respect, calling on all Surinamese to “find common ground in a shared interest: peace, unity, and progress,” and to keep his dream alive for a harmonious and prosperous nation.
