PARAMARIBO – As more than 30 political parties are getting ready to participate in the general elections of May 2025 Paul Somohardjo, chairman of the Pertjajah Luhur (PL), issued a warning about the dangers of voting for new and small parties. Somohardjo claimed that most of these political parties have little chance of success which is why voters should focus their attention on the parties that have a real shot at winning parliamentary seats.

 “Do not waste your time by voting for a party that is not able to rake in 5,500 votes,” said Somohardjo who has been active in the political arena for dozens of years. “Based on my experience I only expect the NPS, VHP, PL,

ABOP and the NDP to be able to reel in seats. The other parties will first have to prove themselves,” said Somohardjo who recommends a strategic approach at the next elections. Somohardjo encourages voters to opt for parties that have shown what they can do. He advised voters against losing their vote on parties that do not a stand a chance. The new voting system makes it necessary for each party to reel in at least 5 to 6 thousand votes in order to get one seat in parliament. Somohardjo is optimistic about the chances of the PL under this system. He recently made it clear that he expects to get at least 4 parliamentary seats at the next elections. The PL currently only has 1 seat in parliament but Somohardjo is convinced that the new system will give his party a bigger chance at winning more seats…[+]