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Serena Muntslag-Essed: Historic Changes and Judicial Independence

Surinamese Activist and Lawmaker Discusses the Impactful Year and Her Contributions to Constitutional Amendments

Serena Muntslag-Essed: Historic Changes and Judicial Independence

For Serena Muntslag-Essed (33), three events in 2023 stood out. “The protest actions of February 17 were very serious,” she told the Ware Tijd. “We must make efforts to prevent them from recurring. At the same time, we must remain critical and stand up for our rights.”

She also considers the constitutional amendment of the Electoral Regulations as ‘historic.’ “What we did not want to change for over thirty years, we were able to amend in 2023.”

“When we look at the very difficult issues that have been resolved this year by the three powers – the separation of powers – then I think our constitutional system functions properly.”

The third significant event for Muntslag-Essed is the final verdict of the December 8th trial. “As a society, we have experienced that the judiciary has pronounced judgment in an independent and impartial manner on an event that has occupied society for forty years. This verdict has answered many questions that society had.”

Difficult Issues

Regarding the amended Electoral Regulations and the final verdict: “We have seen that, on the one hand, the legislative power and, on the other hand, the judiciary have been able to function independently, as the Constitution intends. In the matter of the Electoral Regulations, the legislative power has prioritized the common interest by securing the 2025 elections. Additionally, we now have legislation that a large part of society had longed for; that of national proportionality.”

“So, we can look back with satisfaction at our legislative and judicial powers. There is still much work to be done regarding the rule of law. But when we consider the very difficult issues that have been resolved this year by the three powers – the separation of powers – then I think our constitutional system functions properly.”

Regarding her own contribution to the Electoral System amendment: “It has brought me to a deeper understanding that if we are willing to make sacrifices in the national interest, we can initiate processes of change. But also, that we can take steps forward towards strengthening our democracy.”

Special Privilege

“I have had the privilege of doing this shoulder to shoulder with great, wise Surinamese individuals. I am talking about the expert team with Hugo Fernandes Mendes, Hans Breeveld, and Lothar Boksteen. To have been able to do this with people I personally look up to has been a special privilege.”

“I want to convey to young people that we should strive to be of value. Not only for ourselves but for each other and ultimately for the country on a societal level. When we prioritize the common interest and muster the discipline required to achieve our goals, then we will all eventually reap the benefits. So, never give up under any circumstances but always persevere!”

“For the new year, there are challenges, such as issues related to poverty and the economic situation. The positive aspect is that the exchange rate has stabilized in the last quarter of 2023, and I must commend the executive power for that. But for the new year, there is still a series of issues that need to be addressed. My intention is to continue contributing in the interest of Suriname and, of course, to continue growing personally.”

Source: https://dwtonline.com/serena-muntslag-essed-streef-ernaar-om-van-toegevoegde-waarde-te-zijn/#google_vignette

Date: 7 January 2024

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