PARAMARIBO, Suriname, May 27, CMC – In the CARICOM country of Suriname the opposition V7 grouping that failed to win Monday’s general election, says it intends to stay together despite its failure to be elected to government.
The V7, headed by former justice and police minister Chandripersad Santokhi won 17 seats. The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) headed by President Desi Bouterse won 27 of the 51 seats in the Parliament.
Early results had indicated that NDP won 27 of the 51 seats in parliament. V7, a coalition of six parties, secured 17 seats. Five seats have gone to Alternative Combination of former guerilla Ronnie Brunswijk while the remaining two seats went to DOE and PALU respectively.
Santokhi said despite the defeat, the coalition would remain “for a better future and the needs of the people”.
He said that while the electorate gave a clear message, the elections provide but a frame of the whole story.
“The political combination will remain and we will continue the fight. We didn’t win the elections, but that does not mean that we are done. We are going to take this message seriously,” he said.
Santokhi said V7 leaders would be holding an urgent meeting to discuss strategies going forward as well as prepare for the possibility United People’s Conference to choose the new head of state.
Despite his party’s convincing win Bouterse is not sure of a second term as President since the party requires 34 seats to appoint a head of government.
Political observers say it is likely that a United People’s Conference will be held, during which all elected officials cast their vote for a presidential candidate.
Santokhi has hinted that while he is disappointed in the outcome of the elections he still holds some hope for United People’s Conference.
The US Embassy here meanwhile congratulated the country “on completing the democratic voting process that we observed in …(the) elections.
“ It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm with which Surinamese voters participated in the electoral process which will ultimately choose their next government,” the US added.
