Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has made history by being elected as Suriname's first female president on July 6, 2025, with the backing of her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), after forming a coalition with five smaller parties.

Geerlings-Simons was elected unopposed by the National Assembly, achieving a two-thirds majority vote, following the ruling Progressive Reform Party's decision not to nominate candidates.

The Progressive Reform Party, led by outgoing President Chan Santokhi, cited a lack of a viable mandate to govern after securing only 17 seats in the recent elections.

During the May 25 elections, the NDP won 18 out of 51 parliamentary seats, leading to a coalition that paved the way for Geerlings-Simons' presidency.

Geerlings-Simons, a 71-year-old physician and former parliamentary speaker, will succeed Santokhi, who was unable to secure the necessary parliamentary majority for re-election.

Outgoing President Santokhi acknowledged his administration's shortcomings, particularly in dealing with corruption scandals and economic struggles, and congratulated Geerlings-Simons on her election.

Santokhi's presidency was marked by corruption scandals and economic difficulties, which forced the country to engage the International Monetary Fund for assistance.

Experts warn that Geerlings-Simons will face significant financial challenges, including the repayment of approximately $400 million in annual loans, a burden that the country currently struggles to meet.

In her acceptance speech, Geerlings-Simons emphasized her commitment to financial stabilization and plans to enhance state revenues, particularly through improved tax collection in the gold-mining sector.

She aims to implement laws ensuring that local Surinamese people benefit from the anticipated oil production, which is expected to begin in 2028.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony, is on the brink of an economic transformation due to significant offshore oil reserves discovered, which are projected to generate billions by 2028.

As the country approaches its 50th anniversary of independence in November 2025, it has also increasingly aligned itself with China, becoming one of the first Latin American nations to join China's Belt and Road Initiative.