Geerlings-Simons to Become Suriname’s First Woman President
- Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is set to become Suriname’s first woman president.
- Her party, the NDP, won the most seats in the May elections.
- Geerlings-Simons has the support of a coalition of five other parties.
Geerlings-Simons to Become Suriname’s First Woman President
In a significant political shift, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is poised to make history as the first female president of Suriname. This milestone comes after her rivals opted not to field a candidate in the elections slated for this Sunday. With her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), having secured the most seats in the May legislative elections, all indications suggest that Geerlings-Simons is on track for a decisive victory in the forthcoming vote by legislators.
Support Solidified Behind Geerlings-Simons’ Candidacy
Previously, the NDP snagged 18 out of the 51 congressional seats, surpassing the centrist VHP party led by outgoing president Chan Santokhi. This outcome followed a collaboration with a coalition of five other parties, granting them a solid 34 seats in the parliament. Just last week, Santokhi’s party expressed intentions of forming a coalition to cling to power, but ultimately declared they would not contest Geerlings-Simons’ path to the presidency, citing the clear majority support that the NDP holds among legislators.
Suriname Seeks Prosperity Amid Political Change
Notably, this political transition unfolds as Suriname, with a population of around 600,000 and a legacy as one of South America’s less affluent nations, looks towards an anticipated oil boom to boost its economy. The country is also set to commemorate its 50th independence anniversary from Dutch colonial rule this November. It has increasingly aligned itself with China in terms of political and economic partnerships, embracing initiatives like the Belt and Road infrastructure program since 2019, which reflects Suriname’s ambitious aspirations for development and stability in a more connected global landscape.
The political landscape in Suriname is set for a historic transformation with Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on the brink of becoming the country’s first female president. Her party’s electoral success, coupled with the lack of opposition candidates, paves the way for a hopeful future driven by expected oil wealth. As Suriname celebrates its independence milestone, it is also strategically strengthening ties with global partners, particularly China, indicating a shift towards a more prosperous era for the nation.
