The National Democratic Party (NDP) of Suriname commemorated the 46th anniversary of the February 25th Revolution today, reaffirming its commitment to the ideological foundations established during the 1980 military intervention. Rather than treating the date as mere historical nostalgia, the party positions it as the bedrock of its political philosophy centered on national sovereignty, social justice, and economic independence.
The revolution, spearheaded by the late Desiré Delano Bouterse and a cadre of young military officers, initially emerged as a political intervention but subsequently evolved into what the NDP describes as a broader national awakening. This transformative period fundamentally reshaped Suriname’s trajectory toward self-determination and collective national identity, breaking from external dependencies and internal divisions.
At the core of the NDP’s ideology lie five foundational pillars that continue to guide its political platform:
1. National Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Suriname maintains absolute autonomy in directing its political, economic, and diplomatic course without external influence or domination.
2. Social Justice: Development must benefit all citizens equally, with guaranteed access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities alongside protection for socially vulnerable groups.
3. Economic Independence: Strategic control over natural resources and domestic production sectors remains essential for sustainable growth and financial self-sufficiency.
4. National Unity: The nation transcends ethnic, religious, and social differences, with unity in diversity serving as a prerequisite for stability and progress.
5. Robust State Institutions: Effective governance requires strong institutions capable of steering development and safeguarding national interests.
The NDP acknowledges the complex historical legacy of the revolution and recognizes that February 25th evokes diverse emotions within Surinamese society. However, the party maintains that this period represented a fundamental turning point in nation-building, shifting development metrics from purely economic indicators to encompass dignity, civic participation, and national pride.
In light of contemporary challenges including economic pressures, global power shifts, and geopolitical tensions, the NDP calls for renewed national solidarity. The party emphasizes that current circumstances demand leadership grounded in the principles of sovereignty, justice, and courage that defined the revolution.
On this 46th anniversary, the NDP extended congratulations to its members and the Surinamese people, expressing hope that ‘the spirit of courage, national unity, and self-determination will continue to inspire collaborative efforts toward building a strong, just, and independent Suriname.’