Jennifer Geerlings-Simons elected as Suriname’s first female President

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has made history as Suriname’s first woman president, after being elected by the National Assembly on Sunday.

The 71-year-old former opposition leader became the sole candidate following a decision by rival parties not to nominate anyone, clearing the way for her presidency. Her National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 18 of the 51 seats in the May legislative elections, outperforming the centrist VHP party led by outgoing President Chan Santokhi.

The NDP formed a coalition with five other parties, together holding 34 seats—enough for the two-thirds majority required to elect the president.

Founded by former coup leader and autocrat-turned-president Desi Bouterse, the NDP’s legacy is controversial. Bouterse, who died in hiding in December 2024, was convicted in the Netherlands on drug trafficking charges during his rule, which led to Suriname being labeled a narco-state.

Outgoing President Santokhi’s VHP had sought to build a coalition to stay in power but announced it would not oppose Geerlings-Simons’ election.

In a speech before the assembly, Geerlings-Simons expressed her commitment to her new role, saying, “I am acutely aware of the responsibility that rests on our shoulders, especially as the first woman to hold this office.” She pledged to work toward making Suriname’s wealth accessible to all citizens, with a focus on youth and marginalized communities.

Geerlings-Simons’ inauguration is scheduled for July 16.