Suriname parliament elects Jennifer Simons as first female president
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Surinamese lawmakers backed Simons as president six weeks after the ruling party and its top opposition nearly tied in the race for legislative seats, leading to a coalition deal to install Simons as president.
Simons' opposition National Democratic Party won 18 seats and current President Chan Santokhi's Progressive Reform Party won 17 seats in the May 25 parliamentary election. Smaller parties won the remaining 16 seats.
Suriname's president is elected indirectly. Following the general election, members of the National Assembly vote for the president and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to win the office.
'I come into this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth available to all of our people,' Simons, 71, said in a brief speech after lawmakers approved her appointment with a round of applause.
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Simons vowed to pay special attention to young people and those who have not yet had the best opportunities.
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