Suriname's post-election is made up of a coalition juggling act for the next government

Happy Monday!

This week, we cover the news after the election and the coalitions forming to lead the new governing coalition between the NDP (National Democratic Party), NPS (National Party of Suriname), and ABOP (General Liberation and Development Party). This has led to the current governing party, the VHP, being left out in the cold.

Jennifer Simons, leader of the NDP, has pledged to lead the country as she was confirmed as the presidential candidate.

• She emphasized a new way of thinking and governance, supported by leaders of the NPS, ABOP, PL, BEP, and A20, marking a new political chapter for Suriname.

• Jennifer Simons will become Suriname’s first female president, with Gregory Rusland (NPS) as Vice President.

• She is a former chairperson of the National Assembly between May 2010 and November 2020.

• The coalition, holding 34 seats, is ready to elect leadership in parliament by June 29. Preliminary election results show the NDP in the lead with 18 seats, followed by VHP with 17.

• Party leaders stressed unity, competent governance, and inclusive development. Brunswijk (ABOP) pledged loyalty to Simons and urged focus on national progress, not political rivalry.

• Rusland called this coalition Suriname’s “last chance” for real progress, urging unity and patience in facing difficult early days.

• Simons closed by stressing shared responsibility and the fair use of natural resources for all.

• In essence, the coalition has vowed to break with the past and build a new, more hopeful political future for Suriname.

The NDP’s highest body (CPO) has unanimously authorized the party leadership to formalize a governing coalition agreement with NPS, ABOP, PL, BEP, and A20. This coalition, based on a 34-seat majority, will govern from 2025 to 2030.

• The NDP will hold key roles: President, Speaker of Parliament, and leadership over seven major ministries (Finance, Foreign Affairs, Public Works, Agriculture, Welfare, Health & Labor, Sports & Youth).

• The party leadership received full internal support and formal approval to sign the agreement and complete coalition negotiations.

• The meeting included open discussion, suggestions, and expressions of appreciation for Simons’ leadership during difficult negotiations.

• The NDP reiterated its commitment to national unity, development, and stability.

NPS chairman Gregory Rusland defended forming a coalition with the NDP, stating it's in the national interest, despite criticism from former party leader and former president Ronald Venetiaan over the NDP’s past, most notably the December 1982 murders.

• Rusland insisted the coalition decision is democratically made by NPS structures, not individuals.

• He urged party members to support the coalition plan, arguing that the NPS can positively influence national development from within the government.

• He dismissed cooperation with VHP as unrealistic due to the party’s recent history with them.

• Acknowledging past trauma, he said Suriname must move forward, and the party’s principles will remain intact.

• If collaboration with the NDP fails, the NPS is prepared to act accordingly.

• The NPS is prioritising national progress and party influence while stating that they will maintain ethical boundaries.

Moody’s warns Suriname to remain on stable grounds after the election and not fall into political division.

• Suriname is on the verge of an economic boom from oil production (starting 2028) via TotalEnergies.

• Realizing that potential depends on a coherent coalition, IMF cooperation, and sound fiscal policy.

• Moody’s warns that political division could weaken budget control, harm investor trust, and slow recovery.

• The country’s economic future hinges on current coalition decisions and governance stability.

President Chan Santokhi urged inclusive coalition talks and warned against prematurely signing agreements, as official election results are still pending.

• Speaking as head of state, he called on all parties to avoid exclusion, indirectly referring to his party's isolation in recent political maneuvers.

• No party has a majority, and the results are not yet finalized.

• Santokhi called for broad-based governance and careful coalition-building.

• He criticized early declarations of coalition formation. The VHP is also in talks, including with the NDP.

• The VHP refuses to accept exclusion from government formation talks and remains committed to justice, transparency, and inclusive democracy.

• Journalists saw the press conference as politically charged and lacking transparency. As the VHP alleged voting irregularities, including missing ballots and vote-counting errors, in a Lelydorp polling station.

• The final results are not yet official, and the VHP has requested recounts and investigations.

• Santokhi emphasized the importance of avoiding polarization and meeting official certification deadlines.

• He cited economic and political stability concerns flagged by Moody’s and the Suriname Business Association.

• Santokhi continues to position himself as a unifying, institutional figure amid coalition turmoil, signaling VHP's openness while cautioning against haste and division.