Suriname heads to the polls: concerns over poverty, hope from oil

Suriname holds elections amid economic struggles and hopes from oil wealth, with potential for its first female president.

Suriname heads to the polls: concerns over poverty, hope from oil
Facebook X LinkedIn Bluesky WhatsApp
de flag en flag es flag fr flag nl flag pt flag

Suriname is heading to the polls today, with 400,000 citizens eligible to vote for a new parliament. For the first time in 45 years, Desi Bouterse is no longer a factor, as the former president and military leader passed away in December. His successor as leader of the NDP is 71-year-old Jennifer Simons, a former doctor and parliament speaker.

Key issues include rising poverty, healthcare, and education challenges, alongside optimism from major offshore oil discoveries. Production is expected to start by 2028, potentially earning Suriname €14-26 billion. However, distrust persists due to corruption and cronyism.

President Chan Santokhi campaigned on economic recovery, though austerity measures under IMF agreements have strained households. The NPS and ABOP parties also vie for influence, with a new electoral system ensuring equal vote weight nationwide.

Related

Close race in Suriname between ruling party and opposition
Politics
AI relevance 94.4%

Close race in Suriname between ruling party and opposition

Suriname's election results show a tight race between the ruling VHP and opposition NDP, with the NDP leading by one...

Six political parties in Suriname sign coalition agreement
Politics
AI relevance 88.9%

Six political parties in Suriname sign coalition agreement

Six Surinamese parties signed a coalition agreement to form a new government under Jennifer Simons, distributing...

Jennifer Simons Elected as Suriname's New President by Acclamation
Politics
AI relevance 83.3%

Jennifer Simons Elected as Suriname's New President by Acclamation

Jennifer Simons will become Suriname's next president without opposition after no other candidates were nominated by...

Suriname election results delayed: ‘Too close to call’
Politics
AI relevance 77.8%

Suriname election results delayed: ‘Too close to call’

Suriname's election results are delayed due to technical issues and a close race between two major parties. The new...

Suriname to Get NDP Government Again, 'The Party That Brought Our Country Into Crisis'
Politics
AI relevance 72.2%

Suriname to Get NDP Government Again, 'The Party That Brought Our Country Into Crisis'

Suriname is set to return to an NDP-led government, a party criticized for past economic crises, as six parties form...

Major OPEC+ Oil Production Expansion to Bring Little Benefit at the Pump
Energy
AI relevance 66.7%

Major OPEC+ Oil Production Expansion to Bring Little Benefit at the Pump

OPEC+ is increasing oil production significantly, but experts predict minimal impact on long-term oil prices and...