Jennifer Geerlings-Simons Becomes Suriname’s First Woman President

On July 6, 2025, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons made history by becoming Suriname’s first female President. Her election followed her party’s success in the May legislative elections, where it secured the most seats in the National Assembly. The 71-year-old former opposition leader was the sole candidate for the presidency after her rivals chose not to nominate a challenger.

Geerlings-Simons’ National Democratic Party (NDP) won 18 of the 51 seats in the National Assembly, surpassing the centrist VHP party led by outgoing President Chan Santokhi. The NDP, which had already formed alliances with five other parties, secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament, allowing it to claim the presidency.

The NDP was founded by Desi Bouterse, a former coup leader and autocrat who later transitioned into elected leadership. Bouterse, who died in hiding in December 2024, ruled Suriname with an iron fist and was convicted in the Netherlands for drug smuggling. Under his leadership, Suriname was often labeled a narco-state.

Santokhi’s party had aimed to form a coalition to remain in power but ultimately decided not to oppose Geerlings-Simons’ election. In a speech to lawmakers, Geerlings-Simons expressed her acceptance of the role and acknowledged the weight of responsibility that came with it. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits all citizens, particularly the youth and those who have historically lacked opportunities.

"I am acutely aware of the responsibility that now rests on our shoulders. This responsibility is made greater by the fact that I am, in fact, the first woman to hold this office," Geerlings-Simons said. "I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth available to all our fellow citizens, with special attention to our young people and those who have so far not had the opportunities to develop," she added.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony with a population of 600,000, is one of the poorest countries in South America. Since gaining independence in 1975, it has experienced a civil war and multiple military coups. The government is now pinning its hopes on an oil boom following the discovery of offshore oil reserves. These reserves could provide the country with a significant windfall starting in 2028, when an offshore block begins production.

During her campaign, Geerlings-Simons, who previously served as the chairperson of the National Assembly, pledged to ensure that the population benefits from the expected oil revenues. She proposed establishing a law requiring all companies to work with Surinamese people and purchase Surinamese products.

Suriname, a culturally diverse nation with descendants of people from India, Indonesia, China, the Netherlands, indigenous groups, and Africans who were brought to the country as slaves, will mark its 50th anniversary of independence from the Dutch throne in November. In recent years, the country has increasingly turned to China as a political ally and trading partner. In 2019, Suriname became one of the first Latin American countries to join China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.