Ex-dictator elected president of Suriname

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP):

Former dictator Desi Bouterse was elected president by Suriname's Parliament Monday, following weeks of jostling by opponents who sought to stop a convicted drug trafficker and ex-strongman accused of killing political opponents from returning to power.

His eyes brimming with tears, Bouterse thanked supporters outside Parliament after he secured 36 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 of Suriname, a CARICOM member state in South America.

Bouterse's Mega Combination faction won 23 seats in May elections.

Some Surinamese who did not support the former military dictator's return to power said Bouterse will at least have the benefit of experience.

"Bouterse destroyed much in the past, so maybe it is right that he gets the chance to redeem himself and help build this country," said Rachel Bruinhart, 24.

Others watched in dismay as Bouterse's supporters celebrated.

Michael Charles, a government employee, was baffled by the ex-dictator's election and expressed concern over the country's future.

"We have gone totally mad in this country. I don't know how we managed to get Bouterse as our president," Charles said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Bouterse is facing a long-delayed trial in Suriname for his role in the slaying of 15 political opponents during his regime in 1982.