VHP parliamentarian Krishna Mathoera has openly expressed her support for a possible candidacy by former Finance Minister Armand Achaibersing for the chairmanship of the Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij (VHP).
In an interview with TBN Prime Alert, Mathoera said that Achaibersing’s name has been circulating for some time as a possible successor within the party leadership. His possible candidacy therefore does not come as a surprise to her.
Mathoera, who worked with Achaibersing during his tenure as minister, describes him as an administrator of integrity with vision, expertise and team spirit. She stressed that he bore significant responsibility during a financially difficult period.
According to the parliamentarian, the VHP needs leaders who look beyond internal party interests. The future chairperson must not only be able to strengthen the party organisation, but must also have a clear vision for Suriname’s development.
Mathoera does not rule out her own candidacy
Although Mathoera has made her preference for Achaibersing known, she does not rule out putting herself forward as a candidate. However, she stressed that she will not claim political positions. Should she be called upon by party structures, she is willing to seriously consider it, provided she considers herself physically and mentally capable of bearing the responsibility.
Mathoera does not see several candidates for the chairmanship as a threat to the party. On the contrary, according to her, internal elections can contribute to democratic development within the VHP. However, she warns that mutual divisions after the elections must be prevented. Her preference is therefore for a consensus slate around which different currents within the party can unite.
Suitability more important than party background
Mathoera also addressed the criticism that Achaibersing would not be sufficiently rooted within the VHP. According to her, this is not a decisive argument for excluding someone from a leadership position. She pointed out that Achaibersing had already borne administrative responsibility as Finance Minister under the government of former President Chan Santokhi. In choosing a new chairperson, the main considerations should be integrity, competencies, leadership qualities and the ability to bring people together.
According to Mathoera, the VHP faces the challenge not only of choosing a new party leader, but also of investing in political renewal. The education and guidance of young people, the development of future leadership and a clear long-term vision must be central to this.
