#4626: CANA on Haiti's Recent Elections and its Economy (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Max Blanchet <MaxBlanchet@worldnet.att.net>

The Caribbean News Agency (CANA) is
the premier provider of news and information
from the English Caribbean

Haiti's flawed elections put strains on economy

Port-au-Prince, CANA - Widespread criticism of
Haiti's recent parliamentary elections and warnings
the poor Caribbean nation could lose aid have spooked
consumers and may hinder economic development,
local economists said this week.

"People are panicking and trying to buy more American
dollars to prepare for difficult times," said Luc Especa,
national coordinator for the Caribbean Export
Development Agency, which promotes trade in the
Caribbean.

The exchange rate yesterday was 20 gourdes to the
dollar, compared to 19.7 on Thursday as fears grew that
economic sanctions could follow.

Observers with the Organisation of American States
(OAS) said results for the senatorial seats had been
miscalculated, giving the ruling Lavalas Family party of
former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide a stronger win
than it was due.