Oil riches are on the horizon as Suriname chooses its next government
Al Jazeera6 days
Suriname Set for First Female President as Opposition Reaches Coalition Deal
Above: Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP), leaves after voting at a polling station during parliamentary elections in Paramaribo on May 25, 2025. Image copyright: Juan Barreto/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
It's no surprise that most parties have decided to team up against Santokhi, as his popularity sunk in the run-up to the elections — and that's good news for Suriname because his stint as president was disastrous, including with regard to the environment and ancestral rights. Compared to him, the likely election of Geerlings-Simons is a step forward for the country.
Narrative B
Political negotiations are likely to oust Santokhi from office, but the fact that he was the most voted lawmaker in Suriname is a testament to his achievements while in office. Under his administration, the country reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio by almost half and increased international reserves from zero to $1.4 billion, stabilizing the economy and laying ground for sustainable growth.