Suriname - 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
