PARAMARIBO: Suriname has elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as its first woman president, following her party’s strong showing in May’s legislative elections.
The 71-year-old former opposition leader was the sole candidate after rivals withdrew last week. Her National Democratic Party (NDP), which won 18 of the 51 seats, secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority by partnering with five other parties.
The NDP was founded by former coup leader and president Desi Bouterse, who died in hiding in December 2024. Under Bouterse’s rule, Suriname was labelled a narco-state, and he was convicted in the Netherlands for drug trafficking.
Outgoing president Chan Santokhi’s centrist VHP party failed to form a counter-coalition and opted not to contest her nomination.
“I am acutely aware of the responsibility that now rests on our shoulders,” Geerlings-Simons told lawmakers ahead of her July 16 inauguration. “I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth available to all, especially young people and those left behind.”
One of South America’s poorest nations, Suriname hopes to transform its fortunes through recently discovered offshore oil reserves, set to begin production in 2028. Geerlings-Simons has pledged to ensure citizens benefit directly from the expected oil boom, including through a proposed law requiring companies to work with local people and source local goods.
Suriname, home to a population of 600,000 with roots in India, Indonesia, China, Africa, Indigenous tribes and the Netherlands, celebrates 50 years of independence this November. In recent years, it has deepened ties with China, joining the Belt and Road Initiative in 2019. – AFP
