Suriname elects first female president: historic step for women's rights

Suriname elects first female president: historic step for women's rights

Paramaribo, Suriname – Suriname's parliament on Sunday elected Jennifer Simons as the South American country's first woman president. The doctor and former speaker of parliament is now at the helm of a nation poised to benefit from a predicted oil boomerang.

Political situation in Suriname

The Surinamese legislature supported Simons' presidency six weeks after elections, in which the ruling party and the leading opposition were almost tied. This led to a coalition agreement to appoint Simons as the new president.

In the May 25 general election, the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) won 18 seats, while incumbent President Chan Santokhi's Progressive Reform Party (VHP) won 17 seats. Smaller parties secured the remaining 16 seats.

Indirect election of the president

In Suriname the president is elected indirectly. After the general election, members of the National Assembly vote on the president, with a candidate requiring a two-thirds majority to win the office.

A promise of change

“I come to this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth accessible to all of our people,” Simons, 71, said in a brief speech after her appointment, which was met with applause from lawmakers.

Simons promised to pay particular attention to youth and disadvantaged groups who have not had the best opportunities. “I am aware of the responsibility that now rests on our shoulders, especially as I am the first woman to hold this position,” she added. "I don't need many words. My thanks go to you and we will get to work."

Farewell to Khan Santokhi

Incumbent President Chan Santokhi, 66 years old and a former police commissioner, who ran again, faced criticism for inadequate protection measures for the poorer and more vulnerable groups in society.

After Simons was elected, Santokhi congratulated her and took responsibility for his failings. He explained that he wanted to be remembered for his commitment and that he wanted to continue serving the country as a member of Parliament after the transfer of power.

Oil boom in prospect

Suriname, a former Dutch colony that has been independent since 1975, is expected to see a surge in revenue from the country's first major offshore energy project, an oil and gas venture led by TotalEnergies.

The Gran Morgu project is scheduled to begin production in 2028. The discovered reserves could allow Suriname to compete as a major producer with neighbors Guyana, whose economy grew 43.6% last year.

Economic prospects and coalition government

However, there was little discussion during the campaign about what the next government, which will remain in power until 2030, should do with the revenue. Simons' election was agreed in a six-party agreement two days after the general election, but was not officially confirmed until Sunday's vote. Her inauguration is scheduled for July 16.

Parliament deposited Simons' election by acclamation, along with National Party of Suriname (NPS) leader Gregory Rusland as her vice president. Simons served as Speaker of Parliament for ten years until 2020, finishing second behind Santokhi in votes, receiving more than 41,700 votes. She is the leader of the NDP, which was founded by former President Desi Bouterse, who dominated Suriname politics for decades and died as a refugee last year.

Heir to former President Bouterse

Desi Bouterse left office in 2020, a year after his conviction for the murder of 15 government opponents in 1982. When the conviction was confirmed in 2023, Bouterse went into hiding and died at an undisclosed location on Christmas Eve at the age of 79.