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The vote counting in Suriname is in full swing. It has turned into a neck-and-neck race between the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of President Santokhi and the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jenny Simons. Preliminary results show the NDP leading the VHP by one seat: 18 to 17.
Jenny Simons, 71, is the NDP's lead candidate. A former doctor and politician, she served as chair of Suriname's parliament for ten years, succeeding Desi Bouterse, the former military leader and party founder who died in December, avoiding his life sentence for the December Murders. Simons has stated her intention to chart her own course, distinct from Bouterse's, though there is not full consensus within her party.
Around 400,000 Surinamese citizens voted yesterday for a new parliament. The president will be elected after the parliament is installed, requiring a two-thirds majority (34 of 51 seats). The eventual president remains unclear, with multiple candidates popular within parties.
Election results were delayed due to technical issues with digital processing. Data is trickling in, with much still unclear about voter turnout and counts. Reports indicate irregularities, such as missing polling officials in some locations.
Key campaign issues included rising poverty and problems in healthcare and education. Bouterse left Santokhi with a $4 billion national debt and a struggling economy, leading to austerity measures and reduced subsidies, which increased prices and lowered purchasing power.
However, hopes are high due to major offshore oil discoveries. The new government expects billions in revenue from oil production, set to begin in 2028, with estimates of 750 million barrels. Suriname could earn between €14-26 billion in total.
Parties made grand promises about spending oil revenues, but many voters distrust these pledges due to widespread corruption and cronyism.
