National Assembly (Suriname) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National AssemblyDe Nationale Assemblée |
|
|---|---|
| 8th Surinamese National Assembly | |
 |
|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Leadership | |
|
Chairman
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Marinus Bee, ABOP
Since 14 July 2020 |
|
Vice-Chairman
|
Dew Sharman, VHP
Since 29 June 2020 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 51 |
 |
|
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Political groups
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Government (30)
Opposition (21)
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| Elections | |
| Open list proportional representation | |
|
Last election
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25 May 2020 |
|
Next election
|
2025 |
| Meeting place | |
 |
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| Buiten-Sociëteit Het Park | |
The National Assembly (Dutch: De Nationale Assemblée), often called "DNA", is like the parliament of Suriname. It is the main group that makes laws for the country. This group has only one main part, which is called a unicameral legislature.
The National Assembly meets in a building at Independence Square in Paramaribo. The original building was damaged by a fire in 1996. A new building, looking like the old one, was finished in 2022.
There are 51 members in the National Assembly. They are chosen every five years by people voting in different districts across the country. The most recent elections were held on May 25, 2020. The current leader, called the Chairman, is Marinus Bee. He started his role on July 14, 2020. Dew Sharman is the Vice-Chairman, starting on June 29, 2020.
Contents
History of Suriname's Parliament
The idea of a group representing the people in Suriname started a long time ago. The first group was called the Colonial States, formed in 1866. Its name changed to Estates of Suriname in 1936.
When Suriname became an independent country on November 25, 1975, this group was renamed the Parliament of the Republic of Suriname. However, in 1980, there was a coup d'état, which means the government was taken over by force. This made the Parliament stop working.
In 1985, a new group was put in place. Then, in 1987, democracy returned to Suriname. A new set of rules for the country, called a constitution, was made. This constitution created the National Assembly as we know it today. New elections were held on November 25, 1987, and elections have been held regularly since then.
For some very important decisions, like choosing the President, a special vote is needed. This vote requires two-thirds of the members to agree. If they cannot agree, a larger meeting is called. This meeting is called De Verenigde Volksvergadering (the United People's Assembly). In this larger meeting, people from all the districts and resorts join in to vote on the issue.
Chairmen of the National Assembly Since 1975
Since 1975, several people have led the National Assembly. Emile Wijntuin was the Chairman of the Estates of Suriname before independence. He continued as Chairman of the Parliament until 1980.
After the elections in 1987, Jagernath Lachmon became Chairman. He had already been Chairman twice before. Mr. Lachmon stepped down in 1996 because he disagreed with the government at the time.
On October 10, 1996, Marijke Djwalapersad was chosen as Chair. She was the first woman in Suriname's history to hold this important position. On July 24, 2000, Jagernath Lachmon became Chairman again. He stayed in this role until he passed away in 2001. His party member, Ramdien Sardjoe, then took his place.
After the 2005 elections, Paul Somohardjo became Chairman of the National Assembly. Caprino Alendy was chosen as the Vice-Chairman.
On June 30, 2010, Jennifer Simons won the election to become the Chair. She was the first woman to hold this position after Marijke Djwalapersad. Ruth Wijdenbosch was elected as Vice-Chair. This was the first time that both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman were women. It was also the first time that these two roles were held by politicians from different political groups.
On June 29, 2020, Ronnie Brunswijk was elected as the new Chairman. Dew Sharman became the Vice-Chairman. However, Mr. Brunswijk was then chosen as the Vice President of Suriname on July 13, 2020. So, Marinus Bee took over as the new Chairman on July 14, 2020.
How the National Assembly is Formed
The National Assembly has 51 members. These members are chosen by the people of Suriname in general elections. The most recent elections were held on May 25, 2020. The number of seats each political party gets depends on how many votes they receive across the country's districts.
See also
- Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname
- List of Chairmen of the Estates of Suriname
- Politics of Suriname
- List of legislatures by country
