told Times of Suriname. Boldewijn made it clear that the position in parliament and the position as vice president are not compatible so a person can't hold on to both. He reminded the nation how President Chandrikapersad Santokhi acted in a similar situation.  “The president was also elected as legislator but has informed the Independent Election Bureau (OKB) and the Central Main Polling Station (CHS) that he would not yet be able to accept that position as he is currently the nation’s president and that he will carry out this duties until the installation of the new president and vice president. The Constitution clearly states that one cannot simultaneously hold a position in the legislative and the executive branch. Contrary to the president, Brunswijk has accepted his seat in parliament. But he has not stepped down as vice president. Boldewijn explained that this creates a legal problem.

“Like the president the vicepresident should have stated that he wants to fill the position but that he will join parliament later. By failing to do so he is literally combining two positions which is in violation of the Constitution,” said Boldewijn. Boldewijn explained that a factor that complicated things is the lack of a law that states how the constitutional rule must be followed. “This creates room for interpretation and a legal discussion. When it comes to ministers everything is crystal clear as the law clearly states that they have three months to surrender their parliamentary seat. That transition rule does not apply to the president and the vice president. It would only be logical for them to also be given such a period because they still have to finish important business,” Boldewijn who added that Brunswijk is in violation of the Constitution as long as he fills both positions. “He will have to choose. He will either remain vice president or he will actively become legislator.”