In a surprise move a week before the elections, former dictator of Suriname Desi Boutersie withdrew from the presidential race in favor of Rabin Parmessar, his running mate for the vice-presidency. The motivation for this is believed to be an attempt to reach a reconciliation with Jules Wijdenbosch, formerly an ally of Boutersie but later rival, who created his own political party. No candidate has yet to achieve the 2/3rds majority needed to become leader, as a result of middle range parliamentary elections. Boutersie was found guilty in absentia in the Netherlands of cocaine smuggling, and the United States and the Netherlands have stated that aid to the country will suffer if the former dictator was elected president.