Former dictator is new President of Suriname, but still faces trial for murder

Former military dictator Desi Bouterse, 64, was on Monday elected as President of Suriname, beating Justice and Police Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi in a parliamentary vote.

However he is facing a murder charge that could deprive him of the presidency and land him in jail for 20 years.

Bouterse’s Mega Combination (MC) party struck a deal with his former military rival Ronnie Brunswijk to nominate Robert Ameerali, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKF) as his running mate.

Bouterse's party won 23 of the 51 seats in parliament in the May 25 general elections.

In 1980, Bouterse seized power in a military coup and ruled until November 1987 when he lost the general elections. In December 1990 he seized power again through a so-called “telephone-coup”, but again lost the general elections in May 1991.

The former dictator is now before the court on trial for the December 1982 murders of 15 political opponents of his then-military government. The next court hearing is scheduled for this Friday, July 23.

If found guilty, Bouterse could face up to 20 years in jail.