Jennifer Geerlings-Simons greets supporters as she becomes Suriname's first woman president | AFP

Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons leaves Parliament to greet a crowd of jubilant supporters after being officially elected Suriname's first female president. The 71‑year‑old former opposition leader secured the presidency after her party won the most seats in May's legislative elections, and her path was cleared when rival parties chose not to put forward a candidate. Her historic election marks a significant political milestone for the small South American nation.