Former dictator emerges as strong candidate to gain power in Suriname despite murder trial
A former dictator and convicted drug trafficker appears poised to regain political power in Suriname, where he has cultivated a following among young people despite facing trial for the execution of political opponents in the 1980s.
The main opposition party led by Desi Bouterse appears likely to gain at least some control in the South American parliament in Tuesday's election. His National Democratic Party currently holds 15 of the 51 seats.
Parliament routinely appoints a president shortly after its own elections. A president needs the vote of two-thirds of the lawmakers, so a coalition of Bouterse's party and two smaller parties might win enough seats to vote him back in to the country's top job.
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The main opposition party led by Desi Bouterse appears likely to gain at least some control in the South American parliament in Tuesday's election. His National Democratic Party currently holds 15 of the 51 seats.
Parliament routinely appoints a president shortly after its own elections. A president needs the vote of two-thirds of the lawmakers, so a coalition of Bouterse's party and two smaller parties might win enough seats to vote him back in to the country's top job.