Simons Breaks Barriers: Becomes Suriname’s First Female President Amid Economic Turmoil

Suriname’s parliament has made a groundbreaking choice, electing Jennifer Simons as the nation’s first female president.

This historic move comes at a pivotal moment: Suriname is poised to undergo an economic transformation fueled by newly discovered offshore oil reserves.

Simons, 71 a doctor, veteran lawmaker, and former parliamentary speaker was confirmed in office by acclamation following weeks of intense coalition talks.

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Her National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 18 seats in the May 25 elections, outpacing incumbent President Chan Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party by a single seat.

With smaller parties holding 16 seats, a broad coalition was formed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority needed to elect a president

Jennifer Simons -Suriname First woman President

In her acceptance speech, Simons emphasized unity, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility:

“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 am very aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders, a responsibility compounded for me by the fact that I am the first woman to hold this office. My thanks, and we will get to work.”

Incumbent President Santokhi, acknowledging criticism over his handling of social issues, congratulated Simons and vowed to continue serving in parliament.

Suriname is poised for a significant economic leap with the Gran Morgu offshore oil project, led by TotalEnergies, set to begin production in 2028.

The project could propel the country into a new economic era similar to its neighbor Guyana, which experienced a remarkable growth rate of over 43% last year.


However, scant debate occurred during the campaign regarding the responsible use of prospective oil revenues.

The coalition that backed Simons also agreed on Gregory Rusland as her vice president, and her formal inauguration is scheduled for July 16, 2025.

Simons led the National Assembly for a decade, from 2010 to 2020, before retiring.

She returned to become the leader of the NDP in July 2024, following the death of former President Desi Bouterse.

Under her leadership, the NDP won the most seats in May’s election and moved swiftly to form a governing coalition.

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