First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party New Front coalition - returned to power in 1991 and has ruled since; the coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005.
Titel: God zij met ons Suriname
Bovenstaande gegevens zijn gedeeltelijk ontleend aan het CIA World Factbook 2006.
| 2010-01-04 | | Former prime minister (1955-58), governor (1968-75), and president (1975-80) Johan Ferrier dies (night of January 3/4). |
| 2005-09-01 | | The new cabinet takes office with Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk as foreign minister, Ivan Fernald as defense minister, and Maurits Hassankhan as interior minister. Humphrey Hildenberg remains finance minister. |
| 2005-08-03 | | The United People's Assembly, consisting of 891 parliament members and elected local and district representatives, reelects Ronald Venetiaan as president with 560 of 879 votes; his challenger Rabin Parmessar receives 315 votes. Ram Sardjoe is elected vice president with 591 votes against 285 for Wilfried Roseval. They are sworn in on August 12. Later in the month a cabinet is proposed with Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk to be foreign minister, Ivan Fernald defense minister, Sylvano Tjong A Hin finance minister, and Maurits Hassankhan interior minister. |
| 2005-07-19 | | In a parliamentary vote for president, no candidate wins the necessary two-thirds majority. Incumbent Ronald Venetiaan receives 27 votes and Rabin Parmessar 20; there are two abstentions. A second-round vote on July 21 is suspended due to concerns over Parmessar's citizenship, but Venetiaan's camp ultimately decides against forcing a vote on Parmessar's eligibility and the second round is held on July 26, with the result being the same as in the first round. The decision is now to be made by the regional assemblies on August 3. |
| 2005-05-25 | | In parliamentary elections, President Ronald Venetiaan's New Front coalition wins 24 of 51 seats and Dési Bouterse's National Democratic Party 15. Turnout is about 74%. |
Bron: www.rulers.org
Op bovenstaande tekst is een disclaimer van toepassing.
