Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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PARAMARIBO, Suriname: The Electoral Observer Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) has commended Suriname on the peaceful voting process in this CARICOM member state on Wednesday.
Over 333.000 eligible voters could cast a ballot in the general elections to select a new 51-member legislature and other regional bodies. With over 90 percent of the ballots counted, the outgoing New Front coalition won 23 seats in parliament, while the National Democratic Party of former army chief secured 15 seats.
Former president Jules Wijdenbosch’ People’s Alliance for Prosperity (VVV) won 6 seats in the National Assembly while the A1-combination manage to grab 3 seats and newcomer, the A-Combination, secured 4 seats.
OAS chief of mission, Trinidad ambassador Corinne McKnight, said in a statement, that the OAS observed the electoral process in hundreds of polling stations in eight of ten districts throughout the country. Although the final results have not been certified, participants have expressed their preferences for parties, combinations, and individual candidates. “The 16 OAS observers saw a peaceful process, with the colorful, festive atmosphere for which Suriname is known. The flags, T-shirts, hats and banners that appeared in great numbers were accompanied by a friendly mood of cooperation, regardless of the political preferences of the voters. I commend the people of Suriname for their participation – and especially for their positive attitude toward the consolidation of democracy,” said the ambassador.
She further stressed that the observers listened carefully to the concerns of a number of political organizations and voters. “Many times, we heard statements about the difficulty in obtaining clear, understandable information about voting, beginning with the identification of eligible voters and the availability of polling cards. Our door was open to these and other questions, and we promptly brought them to the attention of the appropriate ministry or agency.” According to the OAS delegate, election officials responded quickly to matters that the OAS referred to them. Yet, the feeling persisted throughout the electoral period, she added, that matters might have been addressed more quickly and in a clearer manner when they were raised by participants in the political process.
On elections day itself, OAS observers appreciated the orderly and generally efficient administration of the polling stations. “The OAS congratulates the people of Suriname on their enthusiasm in the May 25 elections and thanks them for the warmth, generosity, and hospitality they extended to the members of the observer team,” Mrs McKnight said.
The Organization plans to follow events until the President and Vice President are selected.
An official report on the OAS electoral observation mission will be presented to the new Secretary General, Jose Miguel
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