Jennifer Simons poised to become country’s first female president

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, (CMC):

Suriname is set to make history this Sunday when Jennifer Simons is expected to become the first female to be the president of this Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community country.

Her path to the presidency was effectively cleared when the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of outgoing President Chandrikapersad Santokhi announced it would not nominate candidates for either the presidency or the vice presidency.

Simons, representing the National Democratic Party (NDP), and Gregory Rusland of the National Party of Suriname (NPS) as her running mate for vice president, have secured the backing of 34 members of the National Assembly, exactly the number required for election in the first round.

With the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP), headed by outgoing Vice President, Ronnie Brunswijk, publicly supporting the NDP-NPS ticket and the VHP stepping aside, the pair now stand unopposed.

The nomination deadline passed Thursday without any challengers, thus solidifying their expected election.

The nomination of Simons signals the end of President Santokhi’s term. While he will soon vacate the presidency, the transition is expected to proceed smoothly. Santokhi has already pledged his cooperation in ensuring a respectful and orderly handover of power.

The official inauguration of the new president and vice president is scheduled for July 16 at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall. The newly elected chairman of the National Assembly, Ashwin Adhin, is coordinating the ceremony and has expressed confidence that the Ministry of Finance and Planning will promptly release the necessary funds.

In preparation for Sunday’s vote, the National Assembly has convened a housekeeping session to finalise key appointments.