The Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Suriname’s major ruling political party, has confirmed the appointment of Glenn Paul Oehlers as the new chair of its national party board. The official appointment was finalized during an emergency board meeting held on May 4, 2026, a process triggered by the recent unexpected passing of Chandrikapersad Santokhi, former President of Suriname and long-serving VHP chair.
To preserve uninterrupted party operations and maintain consistent delivery on the party’s political commitments to the Surinamese public, the VHP national board convened urgently to address the sudden leadership vacancy. Per the party’s official statutes, a two-thirds majority vote was cast to approve an immediate appointment to fill the open chair position, rather than leaving the role vacant ahead of the next scheduled party congress.
Under the party’s internal succession rules, deputy chairs move up in ranking to fill senior leadership openings. Oehlers, who previously served as the party’s first deputy chair and designated successor to the top role, was the unanimous candidate selected to take over full leadership responsibilities.
The vacancy left by Oehlers’ promotion to chair was also filled in line with party statutes, with remaining deputy chairs advancing in their pre-established order of succession.
Oehlers’ appointment is classified as interim, pending formal final approval at the next VHP party congress. His interim term will run through at most May 29, 2027, when the party’s regular scheduled national board elections are set to take place.
In an official statement released after the meeting, the VHP emphasized that the swift appointment ensures uninterrupted governing stability for the party. Under Oehlers’ leadership, the party will continue its core work advancing public welfare for all Surinamese communities, strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, and driving inclusive sustainable development for the Republic of Suriname.