Haitians protest on what should have been election day

Pro-government and opposition protesters took to the streets of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince Sunday on a day that should have seen a presidential runoff -- a much-anticipated election called off over security concerns.

Several hundred demonstrators marched to express their anger at outgoing President Michel Martelly and his hand-picked successor, Jovenel Moise.

In October, Moise took 32.76 percent of the vote over opposition flag-bearer Jude Celestin's 25.29 percent during the first round of the election, which many claim was marred by fraud.

"We want a real analysis of the results of the first round before the electoral process continues," said Frantz Legros, an opposition figure.

Holding up their voter identification cards, the anti-government protesters called for Martelly to step aside.

"If we can't vote, then Martelly has to go," they shouted as they made their way through the capital's streets.

Friday's decision by the electoral authority to indefinitely postpone the runoff plunges Haiti -- the poorest country in the Americas -- into uncertainty.

In accordance with the constitution, Martelly is due to hand over to his successor on February 7.

"Michel Martelly has no legitimacy to be part of negotiations for the transition," Legros said.

In Petionville, an affluent suburb of Port-au-Prince, some 50 pro-government protesters turned out.

"We say to the opposition: Watch out, Jovenel Moise also has support," said Gregory Vimick.
"We don't want to get violent but we will stay mobilized to get our president."

Vimick, a member of the PHTK party on whose ticket Moise is running for president, added that if the electoral council and the international community wanted to pull him from the race, "they should know that there will be a civil war."

The international community, including the United States, has been closely watching the situation in Haiti, where sporadic violence broke out Friday and Saturday.

"Electoral intimidation, destruction of property, and violence are unacceptable, and run counter to Haiti's democratic principles and laws," the US State Department said in a statement Sunday.

"The United States, along with the international community in Haiti, urges the government of Haiti, its institutions, and political actors alike to reject violence and take all steps necessary to pave the way for a peaceful election for a new president and the remaining parliamentary seats as is constitutionally mandated."
Source: AFP