PARAMARIBO – De ABOP recently welcomed three political parties namely the PDO, NS and the NSK. It also welcomed a group of dissatisfied members of the NDP, HVB, PL and other political parties. These parties claim that it collectively brings more than 11,000 votes to the table of ABOP.

 This weekend it will become clear if this claim is based on facts because ABOP is scheduled to hold its mass rally. These four groups which recently severed the ties with the National Democratic Party (NDP) but the reason for the breakup is still unclear. The NDP, the biggest opposition party in Suriname, reportedly does not seem concerned about the exit of these political allies. It released a short statement to make it clear that has taken notice of the latest developments but that it would go about its business as usual.

The HVB which almost reeled in one parliamentary seat at the last elections has not jumped ship which means that the alliance between the HVB and the NDP is still on track. Although the PDO, NS and the NSK did not have any political muscles at the last elections, they are currently convinced that things have changed. Their optimism is fueled by the support of Soeparmin Djojobesari who is a former chief member of the executive board of the NDP. Ronnie Brunswijk, chairman of ABOP and vice president of the republic of Suriname, applauded the arrival of the new partners and claimed that they offer a bigger chance at winning more parliamentary seats. …[+]