PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has congratulated new Suriname President Desi Bouterse on his election to office by that country’s parliament this week.
In his congratulatory message wishing Mr. Bouterse “every success as you embark upon the mandate conferred upon you by the Surinamese people,” President Jagdeo said: “It is my hope that we can work together to further improve and deepen the relations between our two countries.”
“I therefore, look forward to pursuing this desire with you for the mutual satisfaction and benefit of our peoples,” he added.
Bouterse, 64, won the necessary 36 votes out of 50 on Monday. He first led Suriname after taking power in a coup in 1980.

His win followed weeks of negotiations with political factions, following a narrow election victory in May.

The new Suriname president, his eyes brimming with tears, thanked supporters outside parliament after he secured the required votes in support of his presidency, thanks to a small party’s decision to back him in exchange for three Cabinet positions.

“I reach out my hand to everyone who feels that they are adversaries and ask them to leave the past behind so we can build this country together,” Bouterse told the cheering, flag-waving crowd.
Suriname’s president is not chosen directly by voters, but by legislators. A two-thirds majority in the 51-seat parliament is required to elect the president.