First female president of Suriname

• Jennifer Simons has been elected the first woman president of Suriname.

• Her election comes after a historic coalition was formed after a fierce contest.

• Simons is a medical doctor. She is also the former speaker of the Suriname parliament.

• She will lead the country at a time of expected economic transformation.

• Suriname is on the verge of an anticipated oil boom.

• The parliamentary elections held on May 25 were fiercely contested.

• Simons' National Democratic Party won 18 seats.