Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, sworn in as first female President of Republic of Suriname

Jul 17, 2025 News

Outgoing President Chan Santokhi hands over the presidential sash to new President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons (photo by Times of Suriname).

(StarNieuws) In a packed and festively decorated Anthony Nesty Stadium, outgoing President Chan Santokhi handed over the presidential sash to the first female and tenth president of the Republic of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, during an extraordinary meeting of the National Assembly. Amidst the strains of ” Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro,” she took her place in the presidential chair.

With a brasa and amid loud cheers, Santokhi congratulated the new president.

A radiant, broadly smiling president-elect Simons was ushered into the hall earlier for the formal ceremonies amid loud applause and beautiful musical accompaniment. As ” Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro ” resonated deeply with the Surinamese nation, she proudly strode forward to accept the office for which she had been elected.

Geerlings-Simons seemed to let the words of the oath sink in deeply. “I declare and promise this,” she said, and with her hand raised, “So help me God Almighty.”

Outgoing President Santokhi then signed the proclamation of transfer, after which President-elect Simons also signed the document. With this, she officially accepted the office and duties of the presidency. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ashwin Adhin, then declared Simons President of the Republic of Suriname.

Before Simons’s inauguration, Vice President-elect Gregory Rusland was installed. He accepted the position by taking the oath: “I declare and affirm this.” In doing so, he succeeded outgoing Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk. Brunswijk then signed the proclamation of transfer, performing his final act as vice president and officially handing over his duties to Russia. Brunswijk then changed places amid applause and cheers.

Russia subsequently signed the proclamation of inauguration, officially assuming the position of vice president. After the formalities were completed, Chairman Adhin officially declared him inaugurated as vice president of the Republic of Suriname. On his way to his new position, Vice President Russia received warm greetings and congratulations. It took some time before he took his place next to outgoing President Santokhi.

Simons and Russia were elected president and vice president, respectively, on July 6th through a single nomination.

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Chan Santokhi, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, Suriname, sworn in, Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro

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