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The Government and Political System in Suriname

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The government of Suriname is a constitutional democracy based on its 1987 Constitution, and is run through its three branches: the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Executive Branch is headed by the President of the country, who is elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years or by the People’s Assembly if the National Assembly fails to elect him. The President appoints the 16-minister Cabinet. Under the Executive Branch is the Vice-President who is elected simultaneously with the President, also for a five-year term. The Vice-President chairs the State Advisory Council which advises the President in the conduct of government policies. The Council has 11 seats allotted to all political parties represented in the National Assembly, and three other seats for workers and employers organizations. The Legislative Branch consists of the 51-member bicameral National Assembly elected for a five-year term. The Judiciary Branch is headed by the Supreme Court whose members are appointed for life by the President in consultation with the National Assembly. The Supreme Court supervises the country’s magistrate courts and the National Order of Private Attorneys. Helping run the government are the 10 administrative districts of Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, and Wanica. Each of this district is headed by a district commissioner who is appointed and can be removed by the President, and also has elected members in the National Assembly.  

Other principal government officials who are appointed by the President to help run government affairs include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to the United States, and the Ambassador to the United Nations.