Suriname: General election to be held on May 25

Event

The people of Suriname will head to the polls for the country's general election on Monday, May 25, amid the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and an economic crisis. As many as 380,000 eligible voters will elect 52 members of the National Assembly, who in turn elect the country's president. Incumbent president Desi Bouterse of the National Democratic Party (NDP) is looking to hold onto power despite being convicted of murder in a military court in November 2019. Polls are due to open at 07:00 (local time) and close at 19:00. Partial results are expected to be announced around 22:00, with a projection of preliminary results being released early on Tuesday, May 26. The vote is going ahead despite the partial lockdown measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which have been temporarily lifted for the voting to take place.

A heightened security presence and localized disruption is expected in the vicinity of polling stations on election day. Unrest is possible surrounding the announcement of the election results.

Advice

Individuals in Suriname are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all large public gatherings as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media.