Suriname expected to elect first female president amid discovery of oil reserves

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, 71, will run unopposed as one of the poorest countries in the region eyes billions of dollars

SearchSupport usPrint subscriptionsNewslettersDownload the appSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsThe Guardian appVideoPodcastsPicturesInside the GuardianGuardian WeeklyCrosswordsWordiplyCorrectionsTipsSearch input google-search SearchSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsWorldEuropeUS newsAmericasAsiaAustraliaMiddle EastAfricaInequalityGlobal development Jennifer Geerlings-Simons before casting her ballot during the National Assembly election in Paramaribo, Suriname, on 25 May 2025. Photograph: Sharon Singh/APView image in fullscreenJennifer Geerlings-Simons before casting her ballot during the National Assembly election in Paramaribo, Suriname, on 25 May 2025. Photograph: Sharon Singh/APSurinameSuriname expected to elect first female president amid discovery of oil reservesJennifer Geerlings-Simons, 71, will run unopposed as one of the poorest countries in the region eyes billions of dollars

Suriname is expected to elect its first female president this Sunday, the congresswoman and physician Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, 71, who will run unopposed after the ruling party decided not to field a candidate.