Suriname
Suriname exhibits mid-range performance in the Rights, Representation and Rule of Law categories of the Global State of Democracy framework and high-range performance in Participation. It performs among the world’s top 25 per cent in several factors related to Participation and Rights, as well as in Credible Elections and Elected Government. Since 2019, it has experienced significant advances in Access to Justice, Freedom of Expression, Economic Equality and Absence of Corruption. Suriname has an upper-middle income economy, reliant on its abundant natural resources, particularly gold mining.
Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, after three centuries of colonial rule. The first democratically elected government was overthrown by a 1980 military coup led by Dési Bouterse who held power until 1987, when general elections took place and a new constitution was adopted. Despite multiple criminal convictions, Bouterse was elected President between 2010 and 2020. In 2019 he was convicted for his role in the 1982 extrajudicial assassination of 15 political opponents and sentenced to 20 years in prison though he never served his sentence, remaining a fugitive until his death. In 2020, Chan Santokhi, who played a leading role in Bouterse’s conviction, was elected president, marking a turning point for the country’s politics. In 2025, the country’s first female president was elected and will be tasked with the management of a struggling economy and the early stages of an expected period of oil-driven growth.
Corruption is a salient issue in Suriname; along with weak oversight, it has contributed to the expansion of illicit markets—including trafficking in persons, gold, wildlife, drugs, and arms. Widespread dissatisfaction with the government, driven by poverty, unemployment, and austerity policies, led to violent demonstrations in 2023, when protesters attempted to storm the parliament. Although the country still faces economic hardship marked by high inflation and poverty, recently discovered offshore oil reserves—set to be exploited in 2028—are expected to generate significant economic growth.
Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the region—home to the Afro-Surinamese, East Indian, Javanese and Indigenous communities. The country’s first parties emerged along these ethnic lines. Democratization overlapped with the 1986-1992 Interior War over demands for more development and rights for the minority Maroon community. Since the signing of the Lelydorp Accord, which ended the conflict, ethnic voting patterns have declined significantly. However, Maroons and Indigenous peoples—residing primarily in the interior of the country—are still disproportionately affected by poverty, and lack access to social services and political representation. Despite recent advances, they experience illegal land encroachment, and lack legal recognition of their land.
Suriname has seen progress in women’s political participation and implemented protections against gender-based violence and sexual harassment. It has also developed a national framework to mainstream gender equality across areas like labour, education, health, and climate change. However, women continue to experience discrimination in the workplace, unequal pay, and gender-based violence at alarming rates. Despite some legal protections for LGBTQIA+ persons, discrimination and violence persist.
Given the expected oil-driven growth in the coming years, government’s efforts to address poverty, inequality, and climate impacts on its population will be key to performance in Basic Welfare, Social Group Equality, and Economic Equality. Gender Equality should also be followed as the gender equality framework is implemented.
Last Updated: July 2025
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
May 2025
Suriname holds parliamentary elections
On 25 May, Suriname held parliamentary elections for its National Assembly. These were the first elections held since the 2023 electoral reform, which introduced a proportional representation system within a single national constituency. The National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 18 seats, while the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP) won 17 out of a total of 51 seats in the National Assembly. The remaining 16 seats were distributed among smaller parties. With no party achieving a clear majority, the formation of political coalitions will be key to electing the next President, with NDP chairwoman Jennifer Geerlings-Simons emerging as a strong contender. Voter turnout is estimated at 69.3 per cent, a slight decrease from the 71.6 per cent recorded in the 2020 elections. As of 18 June, data on the proportion of seats held by women in the new parliament was not yet available. International observers reported some operational challenges but stated that the elections were conducted in an overall peaceful manner.
Souces: Central Polling Station Suriname (1), Central Polling Station Suriname (2), Al Jazeera, CARICOM Election Observation Mission, Caribbean Council, COPPAL, Organization of American States
June 2024
Landmark ruling is issued on Indigenous rights
In a landmark ruling, a Suriname court has halted development on hundreds of thousands of hectares of Amazon rainforest, inhabited mainly by Indigenous communities. The injunction was approved by a local court following the petition of 12 Indigenous and Maroon groups that claimed to be at risk of losing approximately 535,000 hectares of their ancestral land to agricultural development. The ruling emphasizes that the government cannot grant land without free, prior, and informed consent from local communities, as such projects could threaten burial grounds, hunting areas, and cultural traditions. Even though there had been previous rulings on the matter coming from international courts, this decision sets a new precedent in Suriname, recognizing territorial rights for Indigenous and local peoples for the first time in a local court.
Sources: Minority Forum, Business and Human Rights Resource Center, Dagbladdewest
December 2023
Former President Botuerse’s murder conviction confirmed
A Surinamese court has confirmed the murder conviction of former President Desi Botuerse for his role in the “December killings” of 1982, in which political opponents were targeted and which took place during his military government. His prior sentence of 20 years imprisonment was upheld, and four other military officers were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for their participation. The ruling puts an end to the appeal process. In January, after Botuerse failed to surrender himself, Surinamese authorities issued an arrest warrant and requested an international arrest warrant for the former president.
Sources: Caribbean Today, Stabroek News, France 24, Caribbean National Weekly
February 2023
Protesters invade government building and loot businesses in Paramaribo
Mass anti-government protests erupted in Paramaribo on 17 February to demand the resignation of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The protests erupted after he issued a statement earlier this month revealing the government’s plans to introduce a new tax on imported goods and phase out state subsidies for gas, electricity, and fuel. The protest march of around 2,000 people began peacefully but turned violent after protestors stormed the National Assembly building, and subsequently took to rioting in the streets and looting shops. Protestors attacked the police and the incident resulted in more than 20 people injured and over 100 arrests. The government condemned the violence and took several measures that include a task force to find those responsible for attacking the parliament, set up of roadblocks, extra surveillance and checkpoints as well as a curfew in downtown Paramaribo.
Violence was condemned by leaders of Brazil and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), described as an “unacceptable assault on democracy” and several governments in the region have offered support to President Santokhi’s administration. The United Nations also issued a statement urging “all relevant actors in Suriname to show restraint and engage in inclusive dialogue to address constructively the challenges facing the country”.
Sources: Stabroek News, Caribbean Nation Weekly, Trinidad Express, Associated Press, Reuters
See all event reports for this country
Global ranking per category of democratic performance in 2024
Basic Information
Human Rights Treaties
State party
Signatory
No action
Performance by category over the last 6 months
Global State of Democracy Indices
Hover over the trend lines to see the exact data points across the years
Factors of Democratic Performance Over Time
Use the slider below to see how democratic performance has changed over time
