The Parliament of Suriname has officially approved the appointment of Jennifer Simons as President of the Republic, making her the first woman in the country’s history to hold the post.
Simons’ election follows a closely contested parliamentary election held on May 25, which produced a near-deadlock between the ruling party and the largest opposition party. The political stalemate was resolved through a coalition agreement that paved the way for her nomination and eventual approval.
Simons, leader of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), secured 18 seats in the election, narrowly edging out the Progressive Reform Party (PRP), led by incumbent President Chan Santokhi, which won 17 seats. Smaller parties claimed the remaining 16 seats in the 51-member National Assembly.
In Suriname, the National Assembly, requiring a two-thirds majority for confirmation, elects the president indirectly.
Following the parliamentary vote, Simons, 71, addressed lawmakers in a brief speech: “I came to this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, experience, and insight to make our wealth available to all our people.”
