Suriname is holding presidential and general elections on Sunday, with voters set to choose a leader who will guide the country’s energy and oil policy for the next five years. The election comes at a critical time as the South American nation positions itself to follow in the footsteps of neighboring Guyana’s oil success.
The small country, a former Dutch colony with a population of just over 600,000, will select among five presidential candidates on May 25.
President Chan Santokhi is seeking a second term. His main challenger is Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, leader of the left-leaning National Democratic Party. Both leading candidates support increased oil exploration and welcome partnerships with major international companies.
Suriname’s offshore basin has drawn rising interest from global energy firms. Companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Petronas are actively exploring its waters, hoping the oil-rich discoveries seen in Guyana continue across the maritime border.
One major development is the $10.5 billion GranMorgu project, led by TotalEnergies. In October, the French energy giant announced the final investment decision to proceed with developing fields off Suriname’s coast. These fields are believed to contain more than 750 million barrels of recoverable oil.
The project includes a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit capable of handling 220,000 barrels per day. Production is expected to begin in 2028.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Suriname’s gross domestic product could grow by as much as 55% in that year, once oil production ramps up.
While Suriname’s oil reserves may not match Guyana’s in scale, the IMF noted that the country is positioned to increase output quickly.
As voters head to the polls, the outcome of this election will play a major role in shaping how Suriname manages its emerging oil wealth and future economic growth.
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