- Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is to be Suriname’s first female president.
- Her election comes after rivals refrained from nominating candidates.
- Geerlings-Simons’ party, the NDP, won the most congressional seats.
- The NDP holds a coalition controlling 34 seats in parliament.
- Suriname celebrates 50 years of independence from Dutch rule this year.
Historical Leadership for Suriname as Geerlings-Simons Steps Up
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is poised to make history as Suriname’s first female president. This significant development comes in the wake of her rivals choosing not to nominate a candidate to contest her candidacy for the presidency. Set to be elected in a parliamentary vote scheduled for Sunday, the 71-year-old Geerlings-Simons has taken the lead following her National Democratic Party’s (NDP) recent victory in legislative elections, where they garnered the most seats.
Coalition Politics Propel Geerlings-Simons’ Candidacy
The NDP secured 18 out of the 51 seats in the legislature, surpassing the centrist VHP party which is led by outgoing president Chan Santokhi. In a strategic move, the NDP has formed a coalition with five other parties, holding a collective total of 34 seats in parliament, providing a strong backing for Geerlings-Simons. Santokhi’s party considered forming its own coalition but ultimately opted to support Geerlings-Simons instead, with Parliament Speaker Ashin Adhin confirming that only the NDP’s candidate was put forward for consideration by the legislature.
Suriname’s Future and Geerlings-Simons’ Role
This historic shift comes as Suriname, a nation of around 600,000 people and one of the poorest in South America, finds itself on the cusp of potential prosperity thanks to a burgeoning oil industry. The diverse nation is celebrating its 50th year of independence from Dutch rule this November, a significant milestone that also emphasizes its multicultural roots — with influences from India, Indonesia, China, the Netherlands, Indigenous communities, and descendants of African slaves. As the nation looks towards its future, Geerlings-Simons’ leadership may mark a new chapter, especially with its growing ties to China and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative since 2019.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is set to become the first female president of Suriname following her party’s electoral success and a strategic coalition. Her election marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history as it approaches its 50th independence anniversary. As Suriname eyes economic growth from oil resources, Geerlings-Simons’ leadership may steer the nation towards prosperity amidst changing political alliances.
