Dr. Jennifer Simons : The Suriname Parliament has elected Dr. Jennifer Simons, former Parliament Speaker, as the new President of the country. She becomes the first woman to hold the presidency in the South American nation of Suriname. Gregory Rusland, the leader of the National Party of Suriname and coalition partner of Simons, has been elected as the Vice President. Jennifer Simons will succeed President Chan Santokhi and will take the oath of office on 16 July 2025. Her term as President will span five years, from 2025 to 2030.
Jennifer Simons’ election comes at a time when the country faces a severe economic crisis and prepares to enter a new economic era with expected oil production in 2028. In her swearing-in speech, she promised to focus on empowering youth, women, and socially backward communities. She also pledged to ensure corruption-free governance and to strengthen economic stability.
Presidential elections in Suriname :-
- According to the 1987 constitution, members of the Suriname Parliament indirectly elect the country’s president and vice-president.
- The Suriname Parliament operates as a unicameral legislature called the National Assembly.
- The people directly elect 51 members of the National Assembly.
- In the recently held parliamentary election, Jennifer Simons’ National Democratic Party secured 18 seats, while the Progressive Reform Party, led by current president Chan Santokhi, won 17 seats.
- Smaller parties claimed the remaining 16 seats.
- In the presidential election, 71-year-old Jennifer Simons contested against incumbent president Chan Santokhi.
- To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least three-fourths of the votes from the National Assembly members.
- Leading a coalition of six parties, Jennifer Simons successfully secured the required votes and became the first female president of Suriname.
About Suriname :-
- Suriname is a small country located on the northern coast of the South American continent along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Historically, it was known as Dutch Guyana and remained under the rule of the European country Netherlands.
- However, it gained independence in November 1975.
- Interestingly, about 27.5% of its population is of Indian origin, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
- Moreover, Suriname is one of the largest producers of bauxite in the world.
- Looking ahead, the country is expected to become a major oil producer following the launch of the Gran Morgue project in the Guyana-Suriname Basin.
- Notably, oil production from this project is expected to begin in 2028, which is likely to significantly boost Suriname’s economy.
- Capital :- Paramaribo
- Currency :- Surinamese dollar
- Language :- Dutch
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