The Progressive Reform Party (, VHP; Sarnami Hindustani: वूरुइत्स्त्रेवेन्दे हेर्वोर्मिङ्स पर्तिज or प्रगतिशील सुधार दल, Pragatisheel Sudhaar Dal) is a political party in Suriname. It was originally founded in January 1949 as a merger of three parties to represent the Indo-Surinamese community. The party occupies a position straddling the political centre and centre-right, advocating for a combination of social-democratic and social-liberal policies under the Third Way philosophy. During the party's history it frequently allied itself with the National Party of Suriname (NPS) that historically represented the Afro-Surinamese community.
Chan Santokhi was the chairman of the party from 3 July 2011 to 30 March 2026. The VHP is a multi-ethnic party and is primarily supported by Indo-Surinamese. Previous chairman Ram Sardjoe holds the title of honorary chairman. After the 2020 parliamentary elections, the Progressive Reform Party became the biggest political party in Suriname and Chan Santokhi became the new President of Suriname.
The party has been part of seven government coalitions, in the periods of: 1958–1963 (five years), 1963–1967 (four years), 1969–1973 (four years), 1987–1991 (four years), 1991–1996 (five years), 2000–2005 (five years), 2005–2010 (five years), and 2020–2025 (five years). In 2020, the party formed a coalition government with the General Liberation and Development Party led by Ronnie Brunswijk, the new Vice President of Suriname.
Early representation 1949
S. Rambaran Mishre H.W. Mohamed Radja L.B. Sitalsing H. Shriemisier J. Lachmon S.M. Jamaludin
1951
J. Lachmon H. S. Radakushun H. F. Sewberath Misser J. S. Mungra K. Kanhai R. D. Oedayrajsing Varma
1955
J. Lachmon H.S. Radakushun H.F. Sewberath Misser J.S. Mungra K. Kanhai R.D. Oedayrajsing Varma
1958
J. Lachmon H. Mungra H.S. Radakushun M. Ramdjan
1963
J.H. Adhin J. Lachmon B. Laigsingh L. Mungra R.M. Nannan Panday D. Sathoe H. Shriemisier
Electoral results ElectionNo. of overall seats wonVotes+/–RankGovernment1949 62ndOpposition1951 02ndOpposition1955 02ndOpposition1958 22ndCoalition1963 42ndCoalition1967 32ndOpposition1969 61stCoalition1973 12ndOpposition1977 32ndOpposition1987 12ndCoalition1991 52ndCoalition1996(*after BVD defection) 1 53rdOpposition2000 12ndCoalition2005 12ndCoalition2010 12ndParamaribo: 2 (of 17)Wanica: 3 (of 7)Nickerie: 1 (of 5)Commewijne: 1 (of 4)Saramacca: 1 (of 3)Opposition201555,276 12ndParamaribo: 2 (of 17) 0Wanica: 3 (of 7) 0Nickerie: 2 (of 5) 1Commewijne: 1 (of 4) 0Saramacca: 1 (of 3) 0Opposition2020108,378 111stParamaribo: 7 (of 17) 5Wanica: 5 (of 7) 2Nickerie: 4 (of 5) 2Commewijne: 2 (of 4) 1Saramacca: 2 (of 3) 1Coalition
Chairmen The party has had four chairmen since its founding: 16 January 1949 – 18 October 2001: Jagernath Lachmon 19 October 2001 – 23 December 2001: 23 December 2001 – 3 July 2011: Ramdien Sardjoe 3 July 2011 – 30 March 2026: Chan Santokhi
Notes
References
External links Official website Official website of Youth Division Official Facebook Page