PARAMARIBO - The administration of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi recent-ly decided to remove three district commissioners from office because their names are on the lists of candidates from political parties.
Regional Development and Sports minister Garcia Emanuel explained that this measure was necessary to ensure the integrity and neutrality of the election process. Reports indicate that the DC of Kabalebo, Josta Lewis, the DC of Saramacca, Sherin Bansi-Durga and the DC of Coronie, Maikel Winter, have been relieved of their duties as the rules clearly state that DCs are not allowed to participate in the elections because they're in charge of running the main election bureau in their district and must therefore remain neutral. “This means that they have a key position in the entire election process. The government seems it important for them to remain neutral,” said Minister Emanuel. Meanwhile the government has already started looking for suitable replacements.
