Suriname Heads to the Polling Stations On Decisive General Elections
Albert Ramdin, future Secretary General of the OAS, participates in the General Elections in his country, Suriname. Photo: X
May 25, 2025 Hour: 12:59 pm
Surinamese people began voting this Sunday close general elections, in which the two main parties in the country come very close, with negotiations to form a government coalition being envisaged.
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Voting began in 674 polling stations across the country, where nearly 400,000 people have the right to vote for one of the 14 parties running.
The contest is pitted between the Progressive Reform Party and the National Democratic Party, according to the latest polls, so it is likely that neither will achieve an absolute majority and have to start coalition negotiations after the vote.
The contest is pitted between the Progressive Reform Party and the National Democratic Party, according to the latest polls, so it is likely that neither will achieve an absolute majority and have to start coalition negotiations after the vote.
These elections are not only about economic recovery and political stability, but also about laying the foundations that could define the future of political leadership for generations to come with the country electing its first head of state.
Under the indirect electoral system of Suriname, the president is elected by the 51-member National Assembly with a two-thirds majority. If not, the process passes to the United People’s Assembly, which has over 900 members and requires only a simple majority.
The Surinamese president, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, leader of the Progressive Reform Party, went to vote with his wife, Mellisa, at the Johannes Vrolijkschool in Lelydorp, district of Wanica.
After casting his vote, Santokhi told the press that his team is ready to negotiate a new government coalition, according to statements in local media.
“The people will determine who will receive the mandate to govern Suriname for the next five years,” said the president, who called for participation in the democratic process.
On the other hand, given the National Democratic Party’s tradition of nominating its leader, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is most likely to be the presidential candidate if her community manages to lead a coalition.
Geerlings-Simons has presented a bold vision for economic reform in Suriname, focusing on reducing inequality and strengthening sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, production and tourism.