Suriname flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Suriname

Suriname is a presidential republic where President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of the National Democratic Party assumed office in July 2025 following parliamentary elections and coalition-building. The unicameral National Assembly has 51 seats with no single party holding a majority, emphasizing coalition politics. The country maintains a democratic framework with ongoing electoral reforms and international cooperation.

Political Stability

Good

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Presidential Republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons(since 2025)

Head of Government

President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons(National Democratic Party)since 2025

Political Indicators

Political Stability
80

Scale: 0-100

Free

Freedom House (2024)

Corruption Index
44Rank #87

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2023)

Press Freedom
67.46Rank #50

Scale: 0-100

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
6.78Rank #53

Scale: 0-10

Flawed Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2023)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Lower House:National Assembly (51 seats)

Major Political Parties

National Democratic Party(NDP)

Center-left

18 seats
Progressive Reform Party(VHP)

Center-right

17 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and older have universal suffrage in national elections.

Recent Developments

  • Parliamentary elections held on May 25, 2025, with NDP securing 18 seats and VHP 17 seats out of 51
  • Jennifer Geerlings-Simons elected as first female president on July 6, 2025, and inaugurated on July 16, 2025, after coalition formation
  • 2023 electoral reform introduced proportional representation in a single national constituency
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1987
Districts10