Suriname to hold General Elections in May
Key Points(5)
- President Chandrikapersad Santokhi announced that general elections in Suriname will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
- In a two-hour address to the National Assembly, he emphasized the significance of this upcoming election, stating that it will be a historic moment for the nation as citizens will vote under a renewed and fairer electoral system.
- Santokhi highlighted that preparations for the elections are already underway, stressing that organizing the elections is a national responsibility.
- This election will be the first to implement a national electoral system, moving away from the previous district system where seats were allocated based on district populations.
- The new approach will ensure that every citizen's vote carries equal weight, regardless of their location in the country.
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi announced that general elections in Suriname will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025. In a two-hour address to the National Assembly, he emphasized the significance of this upcoming election, stating that it will be a historic moment for the nation as citizens will vote under a renewed and fairer electoral system.
Santokhi highlighted that preparations for the elections are already underway, stressing that organizing the elections is a national responsibility. This election will be the first to implement a national electoral system, moving away from the previous district system where seats were allocated based on district populations. The new approach will ensure that every citizen's vote carries equal weight, regardless of their location in the country.
Additionally, officials noted that amendments to the Constitution were necessary to align the Electoral Regulation with a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which found some provisions of the Electoral Regulation to be in conflict with the Constitution and international treaties.
“Mr. Chairman, this subject has always been sensitive, and this unjust system has been maintained because of its many advantages. Historically, all factions within the National Assembly reached an agreement on national proportionality. This gives all political parties, large and small, a fairer chance to be represented in Parliament,” Santokhi told the National Assembly.
President Santokhi stated that the shift to national proportionality will encourage political parties to create programs that resonate with the entire nation, rather than focusing solely on specific districts. He emphasized that this change fosters national unity and cohesion, as parties will need to appeal to all voters.
To enhance oversight of the electoral process, Santokhi announced the establishment of a presidential monitoring team. This team will provide him with a comprehensive view of the election preparations and enable prompt action when necessary.
The new electoral framework also includes the creation of the Independent Electoral Bureau of Suriname, which will supervise the elections and manage the Central Polling Station. Santokhi reassured citizens that the government is committed to ensuring the elections are fair, free, and orderly. He also mentioned plans to invite international observers to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that the voices of the people are fully represented.
In the 2020 elections, no party won an outright majority in the 51-member National Assembly, with Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party (VHP) winning 20 seats, four more than the then ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), led by Desi Bouterse.
