VHP parliamentary group leader and party vice-chair Asis Gajadien has confirmed his ambition to participate in the upcoming board elections of the Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij (VHP) with his own slate of candidates.
During the programme Kal Aaj Aur Kal on Saturday, October 24, he stated that his candidacy stems from requests and discussions within the party structures. According to Gajadien, the future party leadership must have broad support from the grassroots and not be backed exclusively by a limited group within the party leadership.
Gajadien stressed that the strength of the VHP lies with its members, local branches and party structures, which, according to him, have formed the foundation of the organisation for decades. These structures must therefore have a decisive voice in determining the party’s future leadership and political course.
The VHP vice-chair wants to compile and submit a broadly supported slate of candidates together with other party members for the board elections, which are scheduled for May 2027. According to him, an extensive round of introductions within the party is not necessary, as he has been active at various levels of the organisation for years and knows the party structures well.
According to Gajadien, the upcoming discussions should focus primarily on the future of the VHP, its substantive direction and the further strengthening of the party organisation.
Gajadien advocates ideological and organisational renewal
According to Gajadien, the VHP must renew itself both ideologically and organisationally in order to remain connected to social, economic and technological developments. The party must have a clear development vision extending beyond the next elections.
He advocates, among other things, a contemporary ideological foundation, a national development vision towards 2050, and a party organisation more firmly rooted in districts, neighbourhoods and communities.
Integrity, collective leadership, expertise, entrepreneurship, social justice and equal opportunities must be important guiding principles in this regard.
Gajadien believes that the VHP should further develop into a modern, accessible and future-oriented political organisation in which experience and renewal go hand in hand. According to him, both young and older people must be able to actively contribute to the development of the party.
Integrity and responsible governance central
During the programme, Gajadien also reflected on the importance of integrity and responsible governance. According to him, political positions must not be used for personal enrichment or for favouring family members and political networks.
He pointed to corruption and conflicts of interest, which, according to him, constitute structural problems in Suriname. Addressing them must not be limited to political statements, but must be supported by clear legislation, transparent decision-making, independent oversight and effective enforcement.
Gajadien also believes that political parties must provide room for critical self-evaluation and accountability.
Renewal must go beyond individuals
The VHP vice-chair stressed that the renewal of his party must not revolve exclusively around individuals or board positions. According to him, attention must primarily be paid to the substantive direction of the VHP and the contribution the party wishes to make to the development of Suriname.
The party’s historical values must be preserved in the process, while at the same time room must be created for critical self-evaluation and necessary changes.
According to Gajadien, collective leadership, integrity, expertise and a clear development vision are essential for a strong VHP. The party structures must genuinely be central to this in order to further strengthen the confidence of both members and society.
