Progressive Reform Party (Suriname)


The Progressive Reform Party, formerly known as the "United Hindustani Party" and the "Vatan Hitkari Party", 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-left, 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 that historically represented the Afro-Surinamese community.
Chan Santokhi is the chairman of the party since 3 July 2011, and under his leadership, the party has tried to move away from its past of representing only the Indo-Surinamese community. Previous chairman Ram Sardjoe holds the title of honorary chairman.
According to current statistics, the Progressive Reform Party is the second biggest political party of Suriname.
The party has been part of seven government coalitions, in the periods of: 1958-1963, 1963-1967, 1969-1973, 1987-1991, 1991-1996, 2000-2005 and 2005-2010 ; a total of 32 years.

Electoral results

List of Chairmen of the Progressive Reform Party