Former Suriname military dictator Desi Bouterse elected president in parliamentary vote

Suriname ex-dictator Bouterse elected president

PARAMARIBO, Suriname — A former military dictator of Suriname has been elected president in a parliamentary vote.

Desi Bouterse’s supporters are cheering and waving flags outside parliament.

Lawmakers voted Monday after the former strongman secured the necessary 36 votes following weeks of negotiations with various political factions.

Suriname’s president is chosen by parliament for a five-year term.

Bouterse took power in the South American country twice before through coups and has been charged with killing political opponents. He has also been convicted in absentia in the Netherlands of drug trafficking.