# Suriname political party leadership transitions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/suriname-political-party-leadership-transitions > Updated: 2026-10-17T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Suriname’s major political parties, the Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij (VHP) and the Nationale Democratische Partij (NDP), are undergoing leadership transitions. The VHP is seeking a new chairperson following the death of former President and party chairman Chandrikapersad Santokhi and a loss of government power. Armand Achaibersing, a former Minister of Finance and Planning, has officially confirmed his candidacy for the chairmanship. Achaibersing has secured support from various party factions, including former ministers and members of the National Assembly, as the party seeks to redefine its political position before its May 2027 elections. Other potential candidates mentioned in discussions include Asis Gajadien. Concurrently, the NDP is facing its own internal crisis. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is reportedly attempting to distance the party from the era of Desi Bouterse, a move that has created friction with established figures such as Ramon Abrahams. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Suriname political parties VHP and NDP face leadership transitions Suriname's VHP and NDP parties face leadership crises as the VHP seeks a new chairperson following Santokhi's death and the NDP navigates internal divisions regarding its political direction. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suriname-political-parties-vhp-and-ndp-face-leadership-transitions ### 2026-10-16: Armand Achaibersing confirms candidacy for VHP chairmanship Former Finance Minister Armand Achaibersing has confirmed his candidacy for the chairmanship of Suriname's Progressive Reform Party (VHP) amid a period of political transition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armand-achaibersing-confirms-candidacy-for-vhp-chairmanship --- Cite as: Suriname political party leadership transitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/suriname-political-party-leadership-transitions