PARAMARIBO (Reuters) – Suriname’s parliament made history on Sunday by electing Jennifer Simons as the nation’s first female president. The decision sets the stage for the former parliamentary speaker and physician to lead a country on the brink of a significant oil boom.
Simons received backing from Surinamese lawmakers just six weeks after a closely contested legislative election, where the ruling party and its main opposition nearly tied in the race for seats. This led to a coalition agreement to support Simons’ presidency.
In the May 25 parliamentary elections, Simons’ National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 18 seats, while the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), led by outgoing President Chan Santokhi, garnered 17 seats. The remaining 16 seats were held by smaller parties.
The process for electing the president in Suriname is indirect: following the general election, members of the National Assembly cast their votes for the president. A candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority to secure the position.
“I come into this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength, and insight to make our wealth available to all of our people,” said Simons, 71, in her inaugural speech after being elected with resounding applause from lawmakers. She emphasized her commitment to addressing the needs of young people and those who have faced limited opportunities.
Simons acknowledged the weight of her new responsibilities, particularly as the first woman to hold the office. “I do not need many words. My thanks, and we will get to work,” she stated.
Outgoing President Chan Santokhi, a former police commissioner, congratulated Simons and took responsibility for his administration’s shortcomings, particularly regarding protections for the vulnerable sectors of society. He expressed a desire to be remembered for his dedication to the country and confirmed his intention to continue serving as a member of parliament post-transition.
A Coming Boom
Suriname, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, is poised for a financial surge with its first major offshore energy development project, the Gran Morgu project, led by TotalEnergies, set to begin production in 2028. This development is expected to position Suriname as a competitive oil producer, similar to neighboring Guyana, which saw its economy grow by 43.6% last year.
Despite the promising economic outlook, the recent campaign saw little discussion regarding how the next government should manage the anticipated influx of revenue, as it prepares to govern until 2030.
Simons’ election was solidified through a six-party coalition agreement two days after the parliamentary elections, but was not officially confirmed until Sunday’s vote. Her inauguration is scheduled for July 16. Alongside Simons, Gregory Rusland, leader of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), will serve as vice president.
Simons previously held the position of parliamentary speaker for a decade until 2020 and was the second-highest vote-getter in the recent elections, receiving over 41,700 votes. She now leads the NDP, a party founded by former President Desi Bouterse, who had a significant influence on Surinamese politics for decades before his death in 2023 while in hiding, following a conviction for the 1982 murders of 15 government critics.
As Suriname transitions to new leadership, all eyes will be on how Simons addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in light of the impending oil boom.
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