When he showed up there was a big discussion about whether or not he should be admitted to parliament. The division within the coalition made it possible for him to join parliament. The factions of the PL and the National Democratic Party (NDP) tried to keep him out of parliament. They explained that after his presidency, Santokhi went on a vacation and showed up at parliament after over a month. The members of the NDP criticized the chairman of the VHP but the VHP which received support from the ABOP and the NPS made it clear that Santokhi had met all of the legal requirements. The members of the VHP faction claimed that the law does not state that a candidate must join parliament within 30 days after having accepted the invitation because-according to them-there is no legal deadline. The chairman of parliament, Ashwin Adhin, acknowledged this legal aspect but made it clear that candidates have the moral and democratic obligation to take their seat without delay. He and some legislators of the coalition pointed out that Santokhi’s decision to show up after his vacation raises many questions. Santokhi received support from the ABOP and the NPS. MP Jerrel Pawiroredjo (NPS) and MP Ronnie Brunswijk (ABOP) emphasized that there is no legal or political rule to keep Santokhi out of parliament. The BEP fraction also did not have any objections. The PL and the NDP explained that this would set a precedent. MP Steven Reyme (A20) explained that it was not appropriate for a former president to give priority to his vacation and not his parliamentay obligations. After a short recess Santokhi was admitted as a member of parliament. Le-Roy Doorson (NDP) also became a member of parliament last Monday.