Parliament to elect Jennifer Simons as Suriname’s first female President

Last Updated on Saturday, 5 July 2025, 23:29 by Writer

By Ivan Cairo

PARAMARIBO – Suriname is on the cusp of a historic moment. This Sunday, July 6, Jennifer Simons is set to become the country’s first female president, as no rival candidates have been nominated to challenge her bid. The landmark development follows the decision of the opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP) to abstain from putting forward contenders for either the presidency or vice presidency.

Simons, representing the National Democratic Party (NDP), is paired with Gregory Rusland of the National Party of Suriname (NPS) as vice presidential candidate. The duo has secured the support of 34 parliamentarians—the exact number required to win in the National Assembly (DNA) during the first voting round. Their election is now seen as a formality, especially with the General Liberation and Development Party (Abop) explicitly backing their candidacy and the VHP stepping aside.

The nomination window closed Thursday at noon without any additional candidates being submitted, effectively clearing the path for Simons and Rusland’s unopposed ascension to Suriname’s highest offices.

This transition also marks the end of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi’s term. The outgoing head of state has pledged full cooperation with his successor and is expected to facilitate a smooth and dignified transfer of power.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for July 16 and will be held at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo. National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin is overseeing preparations and expects the Ministry of Finance and Planning to release the necessary funding without delay.

Ahead of the vote, parliament convened a procedural session on Friday to finalize internal appointments. These included the selection of group leaders, deputies, and members of various working committees, such as the electoral and ceremonial escort committees. Lawmakers were also briefed on logistical arrangements for the upcoming electoral session.

In the aftermath of the May 25 general elections, the VHP emerged as the second-largest party with 17 seats. However, it has now formally embraced an opposition role. In a statement, the party explained that it had been sidelined in post-election negotiations by the NDP, which emerged as the largest party with 18 seats. Given that Simons and Rusland command an absolute parliamentary majority, the VHP stated it does not consider itself mandated to take part in the governing coalition.

Describing itself as a “watchdog of democracy” and a “voice of hope,” the VHP says it is now repositioning itself as a united, knowledgeable, and vigilant opposition force. The party expressed gratitude to the more than 87,000 citizens who voted for its platform and vowed to advocate for social justice, responsible governance, and inclusivity.

With a sizable presence in the National Assembly, VHP lawmakers have committed to offering critical, substantive, and constructive opposition—placing the interests of all Surinamese citizens above party politics.