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Tensions escalate before Haitian runoff elections Sunday
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UN peacekeeping troops in Haiti (AFP)
In one of a growing number of incidents preceding Senate runoff elections in Haiti on Sunday, an unarmed and unidentified man was shot and killed on Thursday, June 18. The tragedy occurred during a procession for Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste outside of Port-au-Prince cathedral, where the funeral was held.
The Associated Press reports witnessing the man lying motionless in a pool of blood moments after gunshots were fired by UN troops.
A UN spokeswoman, Sophie Boutaud de la Combe reported that the UN peacekeeping troops fired seven warning shots with the intention of turning back angry protesters.
About 9,000 UN troops have been on Haitian soil since the departure of former President Aristide in 2004.
The procession included about 2,000 people. The crowd was carrying the flag-draped coffin of Fr. Jean-Juste to the presidential palace in protest of some of President Rene Preval’s policies.
Election tensions
After a successful election boycott that produced a measly 11 percent turnout on April 19, no senatorial candidates receive the majority vote needed for victory. A senate runoff election is scheduled for Sunday.
Tensions have been escalating in the weeks preceding the elections. A series of student led protests with varying demands including an increase in the minimum wage.
The Haitian Provisional Electoral Council or CEP has decided to proceed with elections despite calls from different groups including the Haiti Democracy Project. The project’s executive director, James Morrell has urged Haitian government officials not to hold elections until all fraud allegations and illegalities are addressed.
The group has sent a 40-page report to Haitian government officials detailing fraud allegations.
Unfulfilled promises
Amid the election controversy, Haitian Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis expressed her administration’s frustration with foreign donors during her most recent visit to Miami.
After pledges from foreign donors of over $300 million at a donor’s conference in Washington, the island-nation has yet to receive any funds.
The recently appointed UN special envoy to Haiti, former US President Bill Clinton has pledged to help ensure that the aid community honors commitments to Haiti.
For more info: Visit the Haiti Democracy Project website
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