"This president works" reads the billboard above a busy road out of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. In the foreground sitting president Desi Bouterse stands in front of a newly constructed house, looking sprightly for a man of nearly 70. It’s a simple message, but then simple messages are often the most effective in Suriname. On 25 May Bouterse's Nationale Democratische Partij (NDP) won a comprehensive victory in the country's parliamentary elections, increasing its number of seats from 19 to 26, enough for a slim majority in the 51 seat national assembly. The victory came courtesy of the NDP's track record of social spending in its first term, its well organized campaign machine and Bouterse's strong appeal with young voters. However, changing economic headwinds could spell trouble ahead.End of preview - This article contains approximately 1342 words.
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