hort form: Suriname

local long form: Republiek Suriname

local short form: Suriname

former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Government type: constitutional democracy

Capital: Paramaribo

Administrative divisions: 10 districts (distrikten, singular -
distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie,
Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Independence: 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Constitution: ratified 30 September 1987

Legal system: based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal
theory

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald
VENETIAAN (since 12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar
AJODHIA (since 12 August 2000); note - the president is both the
chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12
August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12
August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among
the members of the National Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate
receives a constitutional majority vote in the National Assembly
after two votes, by the larger People's Assembly (869
representatives from the national, local, and regional councils),
for five-year terms; election last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held
NA May 2005)

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to
the calling of elections a year early

election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN elected president;
percent of legislative vote - 72.5; National Assembly elected the
president - Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (New Front) 37 votes, Rashied
DOEKHIE (NDP) 10 votes

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Nationale
Assemblee (51 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)

elections: last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -
NF 33, MC 10, DNP 2000 3, DA '91 2, PVF 2, PALU 1

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to
the calling of elections a year early

Judicial branch: Court of Justice (justices are nominated for life)

Political par