Six of the seven parties that won seats in general elections held in Suriname on Sunday are coming together to form a multiparty coalition, leaving the main party, which had led the previous government out in the cold and has the distinction now of being the only grouping in opposition.

The six, which signed a memorandum of understanding to become the new government late on Tuesday, seemed to make it clear that they are unwilling to work or team up with the Hindustani-led VHP of outgoing President Chan Santokhi amid widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism, inflation and a weakening local dollar among other ills.

Therefore, the grouping will have 34 of the 51 parliamentary seats, allowing them to directly elect a president without help from the VHP or any constitutional arm of the state.

With the multiracial National Democratic Party (NDP) choosing leader and former assembly speaker Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, 71, as its presidential candidate, the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community nation is now about to get its first woman head of state and government, as she is almost certain to get all 34 votes for the job.

If that is the case, the extended CARICOM regional bloc would have its fourth female head of government, alongside the prime ministers of Trinidad and Barbados and the recently elected premier of Anguilla, an associate member.

Meanwhile, the fight over which coalition group would run the country was largely predicated on and motivated by the country’s anticipated offshore oil wealth. When daily oil production commences in 2028, it will bring billions in annual revenues to the finance-starved nation of just over 600,000.

Many in the incoming administration had criticized the Santokhi administration for keeping opportunities for increased wealth among a small elite group of friends and family.

Gregory Rusland, the National Party of Suriname (NPS) leader with six seats and tipped to be vice president, says this has to change.

“When the oil comes, and the money is there, every citizen must benefit, not just a small group. If we let this opportunity pass, our children and grandchildren will hold it against us.” Geerlings Simons said, “We have to work together on a new model in which the wealth given by God benefits everyone,” as coalition leaders bashed the VHP.

Commenting on what could be the final vote tally, the NDP leader is confident the party is likely to win up to 20 seats (now has 18), as it could change places with the VHP, which had won 20 in the previous 2020 elections. So far, The VHP has 17 seats, dropping three or around 15,000 votes, while the NDP has gained two or increased by about 10,000 votes.

Santokhi’s outgoing coalition had four parties, including the NPS, ABOP of departing Vice President Ronnie Brunswjk, and Pertjajah Luhur, which bats for Surinamese of Javanese descent. NPS and PL had abandoned the coalition, citing unkept promises, among other problems. Now, ABOP has joined the new coalition, turning its back on the VHP and ensuring that Maroons have a seat at the table. ABOP represents mostly Maroons, descendants of runaway slaves. Like the NPS, it won six seats. PL got two, which is the same as in 2020.

For his part, Santokhi remains upbeat. “Although the outcome is not the desired result, we have fought with passion and determination to help Suriname move forward. Together we will continue to build a stronger Suriname,” he said while admitting that the VHP did try to win over other parties, albeit unsuccessfully.