Verified Facts
Suriname is governed as a unitary parliamentary republic with a constitution that outlines the framework of the government and the relationship between the different branches of power.
Quick Facts
Political System
The government of Suriname is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the President, who serves as both the head of state and head of government. The President is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term. The legislative branch is composed of a unicameral National Assembly with 51 seats, where members are elected by proportional representation for a five-year term. The judicial branch is independent and composed of a Court of Justice and a Court of Appeal.
The system of government in Suriname is characterized by a separation of powers between the three branches, with each branch having distinct responsibilities and powers. The National Assembly has the power to pass laws, approve the budget, and exercise parliamentary control over the government. The President has the power to appoint ministers, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials, as well as to sign bills into law. The judiciary has the power to interpret laws and resolve disputes.
The government of Suriname is also characterized by a unitary system, where the central government has the majority of the power and the regions have limited autonomy. This means that the central government is responsible for most areas of policy, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Government Structure
| Branch | Institution | Head/Leader | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive | Presidency | President Chan Santokhi | Head of state and government |
| Executive | Council of Ministers | Prime Minister | Advisory body to the President |
| Legislative | National Assembly | Speaker of the National Assembly | Legislative body |
| Judicial | Court of Justice | President of the Court of Justice | Highest court in the land |
Major Political Parties
| Party | Position | Leader | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Democratic Party (NDP) | Center-left | Dési Bouterse | 20 | Largest party in the National Assembly |
| Progressive Reform Party (VHP) | Center-right | Chan Santokhi | 20 | Current ruling party |
| General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) | Left-wing | Ronnie Brunswijk | 8 | Third-largest party in the National Assembly |
| Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP) | Center | Daisy Monsod | 2 | Small party with limited representation |
| Pertjajah Luhur (PL) | Center-right | Paul Somohardjo | 2 | Small party with limited representation |
Elections
- The electoral system in Suriname is based on proportional representation, where voters elect a list of candidates from each party.
- Elections are held every five years, with the most recent election taking place in 2020.
- The last election saw the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) emerge as the largest party, with Chan Santokhi becoming the President.
- The next election is scheduled to take place in 2025, with voter participation expected to be high due to the country's relatively high level of civic engagement.
Political Stability & Challenges
- The current political climate in Suriname is characterized by a high level of polarization, with tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
- One of the key issues facing the government is the management of the economy, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in commodity prices.
- Suriname also faces regional dynamics, including a long-standing border dispute with neighboring Guyana.
- The country has a relatively high level of freedom, with a ranking of 74 out of 180 countries in the 2021 Press Freedom Index.
- However, Suriname also faces challenges related to corruption, with a ranking of 94 out of 180 countries in the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Foreign Relations
- Suriname is a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States.
- The country has close ties with the Netherlands, its former colonial power, and receives significant development aid from the Dutch government.
- Suriname is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
- The country has a neutral diplomatic stance, seeking to maintain good relations with all countries in the region and beyond.
- Suriname has also been deepening its ties with China, which has become a significant investor in the country's economy.