Suriname’s parliament has elected Jennifer Simons as the country’s first female president, marking a historic moment for the South American nation as it stands on the brink of a potential oil-driven economic transformation.
Simons, a seasoned lawmaker and physician, was elected six weeks after the closely fought May 25 parliamentary elections. Her opposition party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), secured 18 seats, narrowly surpassing the ruling Progressive Reform Party, led by incumbent President Chan Santokhi, which won 17. The remaining 16 seats went to smaller parties.
In Suriname’s political system, the president is elected indirectly by members of the National Assembly and must win a two-thirds majority to assume office.
Upon accepting the presidency, Simons, 71, pledged to serve all citizens and prioritise youth and marginalised communities.
“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,” she said. “I’m fully aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders—especially as the first woman to hold this office. Thank you, and now we get to work.”
President Santokhi, 66, who faced growing criticism over his administration’s failure to protect low-income communities, congratulated Simons on her victory. He acknowledged his government’s shortcomings and committed to continuing his political service in parliament.
A former Dutch colony that gained independence in 1975, Suriname is on the verge of major economic growth, driven by its first large-scale offshore oil and gas project—Gran Morgu—led by TotalEnergies. Production is expected to begin in 2028, positioning Suriname to potentially rival neighbouring Guyana, which recorded an economic growth rate exceeding 43% last year.
Despite the significance of the coming oil boom, the recent campaign saw limited public debate over how to manage the expected windfall. Simons’ presidency was made possible through a six-party coalition formed shortly after the election. Her inauguration is scheduled for July 16.
Parliament confirmed her election by acclamation and also appointed Gregory Rusland, leader of the National Party of Suriname, as vice president.
Simons previously served as parliamentary speaker for 10 years until 2020. She now leads the NDP, a party founded by the late Desi Bouterse—a once-dominant figure in Surinamese politics. Bouterse, who was convicted in connection to the 1982 killings of 15 political opponents, died on Christmas Eve last year while in hiding, following the upholding of his conviction in 2023. He was 79.
