Suriname’s parliament on Sunday approved Jennifer Simons as the country’s first woman president, a historic milestone as the nation gears up for a dramatic oil-fueled economic change. Simons, a doctor and former speaker of parliament, was supported after a coalition deal between the ruling and opposition parties, weeks after a fiercely contested parliamentary election.
The May 25 legislative election left Simons opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) with 18 seats and outgoing President Chan Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party with 17. With smaller parties securing the remaining 16 seats, a six-party coalition agreed to support Simons, 71, for the presidency. Suriname’s president is elected indirectly by the National Assembly, requiring a two-thirds majority.
“I enter this office to serve,” Simons said to legislators after getting a round of applause for being confirmed. “I will apply all my knowledge, power, and wisdom to make our riches accessible to all of our people.” She vowed to prioritize youth empowerment and fair opportunity, playing up the symbolic significance of being the first woman in the position.
Simons will be sworn in on July 16 with Gregory Rusland of the National Party of Suriname (NPS) confirmed as vice president. Simons had served for a decade as parliamentary speaker until 2020.
President Santokhi, who had been criticized for not protecting vulnerable groups, congratulated Simons and took responsibility for his government’s shortcomings. He will continue to be active in politics as a member of parliament.
Suriname, a Dutch former colony, is poised for an oil boom. The TotalEnergies-led offshore Gran Morgu project will come on line in 2028. Proved reserves may put Suriname in the same league as next-door Guyana, which recorded record growth last year.
Simons will have to steer this resource bonanza through her six-year term up until 2030 in such a way as to achieve development inclusiveness.
