PARAMARIBO – The Organization of American States (OAS) on Sunday praised the election process in Suriname.
The obsevers from the OAS spoke positively about the way the elections were organized and the fact that many people participated in the process but they also expressed their concerns about logistical bottlenecks that delayed the election process.
The head of the OAS mission, Irene Klinger, poi ted out that for the most part things went as planned. “So far we have seen that things are well-organized. Suriname is on the right track when it comes to participation and we hope that it will remain so.” The OAS also praised he collaboration between the representatives from political parties, the Independent Election Bureau (OKB), the Ministry of Home Affairs (BIZA) and others that are also involved. “There is comradeship and joint dedication to the democratic process.”
The observers were impressed by the complex but functional system that Suriname uses and where checks and balances are clearly present. “The system works and maybe that is the most important aspect.” According to the OAS, the presence of representatives from political parties, observers and workers at the polling stations contributes to transparency. The OAS also praised the fact that women and Indigenous communities participate in the election process as voters and in executive roles. “That is very important and it is something that other countries in the region could learn a thing or two from.”