Suriname History

Former Dictator Bouterse Returns to Power

The Mega Combination coalition, headed by former dictator Dési Bouterse, won a two-thirds majority in May 2010's parliamentary elections. Parliament elected him president in August.

In 1998, the position of prime minister was abolished. The position was replaced by that of vice president who took charge of the Council of Ministers. The vice president became second in command behind the president, elected in the same way, by getting at least two-thirds of the vote in the National Assembly of Suriname. The first vice president was Henck Arron. Robert Ameerali has been the vice president since August 12, 2010.

In July 2015, Parliament re-elected President Bouterse. Bouterse was unopposed in the election. Ameerali remained vice president.

See also Encyclopedia: Suriname .
U.S. State Dept. Country Notes: Suriname