Suriname’s Parliament Elects Former Military Ruler Desi Bouterse as President

Suriname’s parliament has elected the former military ruler Desi Bouterse to the nation’s presidency, returning the controversial leader to office following weeks of negotiations.

Bouterse’s coalition captured a narrow parliamentary election victory in May, gaining 23 of the 51 seats. That narrow victory meant the coalition needed to secure the support of other parties and they finally reached the two-thirds they needed to vote Bouterse into office.

The office is nothing new to Bouterse who first took power in 1980 following a coup. In 1987 he was forced to step down following international pressure but he managed to seize power once again in 1991 but only for a brief period.

In 1994 a Dutch court sentenced Bouterse in absentia to 11 years in prison for cocaine trafficking but Suriname does not have an extradition treaty with the Netherlands. He is also facing trial in Suriname for his alleged role in the murder of political opponents back in 1982.

That trial will likely remain on hold as Bouterse enjoys immunity from prosecution.

Click here for more World News

About WooEB

WooEB Community is a business, music and social networking community. WooEB provides members with a wealth of applications that enable them to create an in-depth profile within the community. Profiles include an About Me, Background and Lifestyle, Videos, Photo sharing, News, Music, Blogs, unique URL and networking with other members inside the WooEB community. WooEB provides ADit to each member providing them the opportunity to have an exclusive profile (no outside advertising) displaying only banner ads they upload to their pages. Members can run their own ads or give or sell their ad space to advertisers at prices the member sets.

To create your profile sign up and within minutes you too can have your People profile running your ads and building your network with new members daily.