MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The National Assembly will choose a new president of Suriname following the vote.
According to the BBC, the South American nation's former military ruler and current president Desi Bouterse is confident of his re-election. Bouterse was convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands in 1999, the British broadcaster noted.
"Strong foundations have been laid for the future of this country," Bouterse said, as quoted by the BBC, referring to his social programs.
In order for Bouterse to be reelected without entering a coalition, his party needs to secure 34 seats. Chandrika Persad Santokhi, who leads the opposition coalition V7, is Bouterse's main rival in the elections.
Bouterse seized power in Suriname in a military coup in 1980, ruling for seven years. On July 19, 2010, he was elected president for a five-year term.
