Suriname Parliament Elects First-Ever Female President

 Suriname Parliament Elects First-Ever Female President

Suriname’s parliament has made history by electing Jennifer Simons as the country’s first female president. The seasoned lawmaker and physician now prepares to lead the South American nation at a pivotal moment, as it stands on the brink of a transformative oil boom.

Simons' victory comes six weeks after the closely contested May 25 parliamentary elections. Her opposition party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), secured 18 seats, narrowly edging out the incumbent President Chan Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party, which won 17. The remaining 16 seats were taken by smaller parties.

Under Suriname’s political system, the president is not elected by popular vote but chosen by the National Assembly. To win, a candidate must gain support from two-thirds of the Assembly members.

In her acceptance speech, the 71-year-old Simons pledged to serve all citizens of Suriname, with particular focus on youth and marginalized communities.

“I assume this office to serve,” she said. “I will apply my knowledge, strength, and insight to ensure that our nation’s wealth benefits every citizen. I understand the immense responsibility that comes with this role—especially as the first woman to hold it. Thank you, and let’s get to work.”

Outgoing President Santokhi, 66, who had been criticized for not adequately addressing poverty during his tenure, congratulated Simons and accepted accountability for his administration’s shortcomings. He confirmed he will remain active in parliament.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony that gained independence in 1975, is on the cusp of significant economic change with its first major offshore oil and gas project, led by TotalEnergies. The Gran Morgu development, expected to begin production in 2028, could position Suriname as a key oil producer alongside neighboring Guyana, which recently posted over 43% economic growth.

Despite the looming oil windfall, the election campaign included minimal public discourse on resource management. Simons’ ascent to the presidency was secured through a post-election agreement involving six parties. Her official inauguration is set for July 16.

Parliament confirmed Simons’ election by acclamation and also named Gregory Rusland, leader of the National Party of Suriname, as her vice president.

Simons brings extensive political experience to the role, having served as speaker of parliament for 10 years until 2020. She now leads the NDP, a party founded by the late Desi Bouterse—former president and once a dominant figure in Surinamese politics. Bouterse left office in 2020 and died in exile on Christmas Eve 2023 at the age of 79, after being convicted for his role in the 1982 executions of 15 political opponents.