Jennifer Geerlings-Simons Elected as Suriname’s First Woman President

PARAMARIBO, Suriname — July 7, 2025:
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons made history on Sunday by becoming Suriname’s first woman president, following her party’s triumph in the May legislative elections.

The 71-year-old seasoned politician and former opposition leader emerged as the sole presidential candidate after her rivals withdrew from the race on Thursday. Her victory was confirmed by lawmakers in the National Assembly, cementing her position as head of state in the small but ethnically diverse South American nation.

Geerlings-Simons represents the National Democratic Party (NDP), which secured 18 out of 51 seats in the recent parliamentary elections. In coalition with five other parties, the NDP now commands a majority of 34 seats in the legislature.

The outgoing president, Chan Santokhi, and his centrist VHP party were unable to form a coalition and issued a statement acknowledging their decision not to oppose Geerlings-Simons’ election.

This shift marks a significant political change in Suriname, which celebrates 50 years of independence from Dutch colonial rule this coming November. The NDP was originally founded by Desi Bouterse, a controversial figure who transitioned from coup leader to president before dying in hiding in December 2024.

A New Chapter for Suriname
Suriname, with a population of around 600,000, is a nation of diverse heritage—including Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Dutch, Indigenous, and African roots. While traditionally influenced by European and Caribbean politics, in recent years it has moved closer to China, becoming one of the first Latin American countries to join Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2019.

Looking Ahead: Hopes for an Oil-Driven Future
The country is also banking on an emerging oil boom to revitalize its struggling economy. Despite its rich cultural history and natural resources, Suriname remains one of the poorest nations in South America.

With Jennifer Geerlings-Simons at the helm, many are hopeful that the new administration will bring both political stability and economic progress. Her presidency marks not only a milestone for gender equality in Suriname but also a pivotal moment in its democratic journey.