Cocaine smuggler elected Suriname president
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lawmakers in Suriname have elected the former military strongman and convicted cocaine smuggler, Desi Bouterse, who previously seized power in two coups, as President. Mr Bouterse, accused of human rights violations and wanted in the Netherlands to serve a drugs sentence, won 36 votes out of 50 in parliament.
The vote followed a May election in which Mr Bouterse's Mega Combination coalition won the most seats – 23 – but fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to name a new president.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments