What is going on in Suriname?


After two failed rounds of elections, the incumbent president, Ronald Venetiaan, has been sworn in for a second term. He has attempted to stabilize his country's economy through privitization and a reduction in government expenditures.

As you might already know, Suriname was ruled by a dictator, Desi Bouterse, from 1980 to 1988. He has since been convicted in absentia (in the Netherlands) of smuggling cocaine and murdering political opponents. His party, the New Democratic Party, has gained some momentum in the recent elections - doubling its number of seats to 15.

For more information, check out the article.

I was suprised to read that the largest ethnic group in Suriname is Hindustani, or East Indians. Apparently, people from northern India emigrated in the late 19th century. This also means that Hinduism is the largest religious group. I had no idea. CIA Factbook site on Suriname.

In regards to the former dictator, Desi Bouterse, he is now living free in Suriname, but has an international arrest warrant out for him. Suriname cannot deliver on this warrant because Bouterse is a former head of state. He came to power in 1980 after a coup d'etat by his military regime. He served until 1988 when he resigned. He is probably most famous for his role in the December murders in which 15 political opponents were murdered. He denies any involvement though. More about the dictator can be found here.