PARAMARIBO — The Progressive Reform Party (VHP) faction strongly protested on Monday against the procedural course of events during the public meeting of the National Assembly (DNA). According to the faction, rules from the rules of procedure were not correctly observed at the opening of the meeting, which has raised questions about the legal validity of the procedure.
In a statement, the VHP said the meeting was initially opened and chaired by Ashwin Adhin, after which the chairmanship was handed over to Ivanildo Plein. However, during the meeting it apparently emerged that Adhin had not signed the attendance list.
According to the VHP, this violated Article 31 of the DNA rules of procedure, which stipulate that every member must sign his or her name on the attendance list upon arrival. The faction states that this omission has consequences for the procedural validity of the opening of the meeting.
Consultation between faction leaders
Following the observation, consultations took place between the faction leaders. According to the VHP, it was expected that the error made would be recognized so that the procedure could be corrected correctly. Subsequently, after approval by parliament, the meeting could be legally continued while retaining the actions already taken. However, the VHP says it is surprised that no action was taken on this solution. Instead, the meeting continued as if no procedural problem existed.
The faction emphasizes that compliance with legal and parliamentary procedures is essential for the legitimacy of decisions taken within parliament. According to the party, rules and procedures should not depend on political preferences or practical considerations. “Parliament in particular must set an example of careful, transparent and constitutional action,” the VHP said in its statement.
Participation under protest
Despite the objections, the VHP faction has decided to continue its participation in the meeting. The party points out that the discussion of the budget is on the agenda and that it involves important social and economic interests of Surinamese society.
The faction states that with this attitude it wants to prevent the population from becoming the victims of the situation that has arisen. At the same time, the VHP emphasizes that it fully maintains its objections to the procedure followed. The group also calls on the DNA chairman to ensure that parliamentary procedures are strictly adhered to and that similar situations do not repeat themselves in the future.
