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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Oct 25 2015 – Haitians are voting Sunday for a new leader who might be able to lift the nation out of poverty and turbulence. More than 50 presidential candidates are running on today’s ballot.
Among the best known names on the ballot is Jude Celestin, a former head of the state-run construction company who was the government-backed candidate in the 2010 race. He was eliminated from a runoff after his reported victory was challenged by foreign observers who complained of irregularities.
Others include President Michel Martelly’s pick, Jovenel Moise, a political newcomer who has called for restoration of Haiti’s army, and ex-Senator Moise Jean Charles, a sharp critic of Martelly who brands himself as a voice for Haiti’s poor and disenfranchised.
More than 5½ years since Haiti suffered an earthquake that was one of the worst natural disasters of modern times, roughly 5.8 million voters are registered to cast ballots for the next president, 129 lawmakers and a slew of local offices.
Despite the extremely broad field, many Haitians seem frustrated by the choices and complain about the partisan bickering that led to political gridlock in recent years and prevented much serious discussion of issues during campaigning.
Final results are not expected until late November, according to the country’s Provisional Electoral Council.
Security is a widespread concern during Sunday’s elections. The roughly 12,500-member Haitian National Police will have to play a far greater role in maintaining security than it did in the last presidential vote due to a reduced number of U.N. peacekeeping troops. The United Nations has kept the force in Haiti since 2004, when a violent rebellion swept the country.
