territory of Suriname,” said former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi after being admitted as a member of parliament. Santokhi who is also the chairman of the VHP pointed out that more than 45,000 people voted for him and that he therefore had no other choice than to represent them in parliament. “More than 45,000 personal votes. That is how I was elected as representative of the people. And I take that mandate very seriously,” said Santokhi who is also the chairman of the only political party that is is the opposition with 16 seats. Santokhi explained that the criticism from the opposition will be constructive. “We will not oppose to block but to guarantee that decisions are just and sustainable. We want to be constructive, strict and critical. Where it becomes necessary always loyal to country and people. The VHP is the only political party in the opposition. This means that there is a broad weight on our shoulders. Our role extends farther than party politics. We do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Santokhi. Some members of parliament but also Vice President Gregory Rusland described Santokhi as a huge asset for parliament because if his experiences as former minister and former president but also as former legislator.