NPS gains seat in parliament

The passing of Sheilendra Girjasing (VHP) means that the parliamentary seat of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) will go to the National Party Suriname (NPS). The NPS which already has two parliamentary seats in Paramaribo will gain another seat in the Commewijne District as Marlon Budeke is next in line. Girjasing and Ingrid Karta-Bink (PL) were elected in May 2015 to represent their parties which together with other parties had formed an alliance that was known as the V7 bloc. The V7 no longer exists as it was dismantled shortly after the May 2015 elections when one of the political parties exited the alliance to join the party that had won the elections. NPS Chairman Gregory Rusland pointed out that now is not the time to talk about political advantages because an ally and a friend has passed away. He acknowledged that the parliamentary seat will go to another opposition party but made it clear that “I am currently not giving it any thought.” Girjasing was a political ally and a personal friend whom he got to know at high school more than 40 years ago. “We had also run for office to represent the students at the Openbaar Atheneum and we won those elections”, said Rusland. “Shortly before he left for the Netherlands I also had a talk with him. I initially heard that he was recovering so I was shocked to hear of his passing”, said Rusland who added that the political consequences of Girjasing’s passing are not up for discussion right now.