One person, one vote to become a reality in Suriname

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the groundbreaking proposal for the new voting system in Suriname, Parliament’s discussion on amendments to the gambling laws, and the state of education in Suriname.

Suriname set to become one large constituency in the upcoming election, departing from the district electoral system.

• Five political factions (VHP, NDP, ABOP/PL, NPS, BEP) are submitting a joint initiative law to amend the Electoral Regulation to the National Assembly.

• Previous bills on Electoral Regulation amendment have been submitted by various groups, including the NDP, VHP, ABOP/PL, and the government itself; these earlier proposals are likely to be withdrawn.

• The proposal aims to replace the district system with national proportionality, ensuring every vote holds equal weight across the country and the abandonment of the district system in favor of a single nationwide constituency.

• The National Assembly, headed by chairman Marinus Bee, plans to address the initiative proposal before its recess starting on September 6.

• A separate proposal for minor constitution amendments accompanies the changes to the Electoral Regulation.

• This stems from the The Constitutional Court's ruling on August 5, 2022, that declared Articles 9 and 24 of the Electoral Regulations contradictory to the Constitution and international treaties.

• The new proposed Article 9 outlines the National Assembly's composition, election process, and candidate eligibility criteria.

• Article 24, which deals with electoral district division, is also being redefined in the initiative proposal.

• Constitution amendments include revising Article 61 to define National Assembly membership criteria and residency requirements.

• Article 162, related to the election of local councils, will undergo changes, transitioning to a system of proportional representation.

• The reform aims to establish proportional representation by the largest average and preference votes, and to ensure fairer and more inclusive elections.

Drama in Parliament as representatives discuss the gambling laws in Suriname.

• Emotions rise in the National Assembly during debates on gambling industry laws due to concerns about its societal impact.

• Calls to close gambling houses due to family disruption and addiction problems.

• Approximately 20 casinos and 900 retailers engaged in gambling operations are present.

• There is agreement on the need for regulation, but doubts persist about effective enforcement.

• Assembly member Mahinder Jogi (VHP) opposes gambling, highlighting shifts in colleagues' opinions during discussions.

• Member of Parliament Patricia Etnel (NPS) points out issues in the proposed laws, such as unclear regulations on the number of machines and casino branches.

• Debates cover concerns about proximity to sensitive locations, maintaining a minimum gambling age of 21, economic benefits, and enforcement challenges due to Gaming Board limitations.

The Minister of Education, Science and Culture faces challenges due to poor education quality.

• Minister of Education, Science and Culture Henry Ori faced Assembly members' questions on education-related issues.

• Some issues brought up were automatic progression to the next year, poor school conditions, and delayed reports were discussed and critiqued.

• Ori deferred most questions to the next meeting and plans to respond in writing. The minister wants to assess whether children can move to the next year seamlessly.

• Challenges include students passing but not reaching desired levels and insufficient subject review opportunities.

• The government implemented innovations without legal basis; concerns about unclear curriculum and teacher shortages were raised.

• Schools lack necessary funds, leading to maintenance and material delivery problems; parliament urged to allocate more funds for education.

• The NDP party presented a motion for improved curriculum, students' positions, and education law/plan revisions.

• The government is urged to present revised education law/plan by end of 2023, involve stakeholders, and address impediments for better education quality.