Former minister and NDP member Soeresh Algoe wants to persuade Faizal Abdoelgafoer to consider the chairmanship of the Nationale Democratische Partij (NDP). Although Abdoelgafoer has not expressed any interest in the position to him, Algoe wants to speak with him and other party members about a possible candidacy.
The former Minister of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij said this on the programme TBN Prime Alert. According to Algoe, Abdoelgafoer possesses the qualities to lead the party in the future. The next party elections will take place in 2029, he said.
“Abdoelgafoer has never told me that he wants to become chairman or anything,” Algoe stated. His expression of support is therefore a personal initiative. He wants to approach other NDP members to jointly encourage Abdoelgafoer, if necessary, to consider taking the step.
Algoe believes that a party chairman must above all be able to unite people. He cites Abdoelgafoer’s accessibility, contacts with young people and involvement in sports as strong points. He also considers it important for a chairman to be present in the districts, villages and the interior.
According to the former minister, he receives positive responses when he raises Abdoelgafoer’s name within the party. He expects support to grow towards 2029, but acknowledges that not everyone has the same preference.
His plea is linked to his expectation that the current chairman, President Jennifer Simons, will not seek a second term as party leader. According to Algoe, she told him before her election that she wanted to serve as chairman for only one term. He says he has no indication that she has changed her mind. A decision by Simons about her political future within the party has therefore not been confirmed.
Algoe stresses that he has no issues with her current leadership. He says he wants to think about succession in good time. According to him, leadership qualities and the ability to keep the party together should be central to that choice.
