UNDP Suriname is lending technical support to STAS International for the organization of the Young Leaders Elections Debate. The debate will be held on May 22nd, 2020 from 18:00 till 19:30.

The purpose of the debate is to bring together young representatives of 8 political parties set to participate during the national elections, to discuss topics which are of crucial importance for all voters, but specifically for young voters/ first-voters. Two topics will be debated by the young politicians (1) Elections, Youth Involvement & the importance of Voting and (2) Education, Opportunities and Collective Futures.

UNDP Suriname is supporting this debate which is part of the “Balans in 2020 campaign” under the framework of the Electoral Support Programme 2020. The Electoral support project aims to provide assistance and support to the Republic of Suriname ahead of, during, and after the 2020 elections. The project focuses on capacity building for relevant institutions; technical support in the administration and conduct of elections; encouraging the participation of women, the indigenous population and persons with disabilities; and a voter outreach education campaign.

The project also aims to educate Surinamese voters, especially first-time voters, about the voting process in order to ensure greater awareness.

The Young Leaders Elections Debate will be live streamed to Facebook and Youtube and will be open to all interested parties to join. Please follow https://www.facebook.com/BalansIn2020/ for the link to the debate.