Suriname elections free and fair
THE 11-member CARICOM Observer Mission which overlooked Suriname’s General Elections on May 25 last has, in its preliminary report, opined that the process was “conducted freely and fairly, and the people of Suriname must be commended for that.”
The team, which was headed by Mr. Michael N. Flood of Saint Lucia, is of the view “that the people of Suriname must be commended for their maturity throughout their General Election.”
The team goes on to say in the report: “It was interesting to note that people of opposing parties were eating, laughing and sitting together, although they numbered in the hundreds in the area outside the polling area.
“Based on our observations, the CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission is of the view that all was in place, and the authorities conducted the business of the day freely, fairly and transparently. The voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation and or interference.”
The team also extended its sincere appreciation to the people of Suriname for their hospitality. The relevant authorities, especially the police, and the drivers, they noted, were professional and accommodating during their stay in Suriname.
According to the report, the team, upon arrival in Suriname on May 20, immediately began its work by holding  meetings with the relevant authorities and stakeholders prior to polling day.
The team was satisfied with the preparations leading up to the elections and expressed their confidence in the Independent Electoral Council to manage this election.
On Election Day, the team was divided into five groups and were deployed to seven polling districts.
Team One, comprising of  Mr. Gocool Boodoo and Ms. Karen Manwarren  visited the districts of Coronie and Nickerie, which had a total of  40 polling stations, while Team Two, which comprised of  Mr. Eugene Petty and Ms. Carole Maison-Bishop, went to the districts of Saramacca and Wanica with 127 polling stations.
Team  Three,  comprising of Dr. Raghunath Mahabir and Mr. Alan Donawa  visited the Commewijne and Marowijne districts with a total of 57 polling stations. Two teams were deployed to Paramaribo, the most populated district of Suriname, with total of 263 polling stations.
Mr. Hensley Robinson and Mr. Glasspole Brown were assigned to one half of the polling stations in Paramaribo, while the team of Mr. Michael N. Flood, Ms. Sandiria Hall and Mr. Lingham Samuel undertook to visit the other half.
The report said the teams were out early enough to witness the opening of the polls at eleven different polling stations, the required transparent checks and sealing of the ballot boxes were done before the casting of votes commenced and they were all incident free.
The observation exercise, however, proved somewhat challenging as it rained in most areas and the terrain became difficult for some. Nevertheless, the observers maintained the course as they visited and observed the process in as many stations as possible.
The Observers, though being unable to access Suriname’s interior, which is only accessible by boat or by air, the various teams were able to visit 267 polling stations out of a total of 580.
A comprehensive report, inclusive of the findings and recommendations of the mission, is to be submitted to the CARICOM Secretariat within twenty one (21) days.