26986: (news) Holmstead: Fresh doubts about Haiti ballot (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

FROM:  John Holmstead


BBC

Fresh doubts about Haiti ballot
Members of the Election Council in Haiti have
indicated that elections scheduled for 8 January may
have to be postponed for a fourth time.

The Council's chairman warned there could be unrest if
the voting was not organised in acceptable conditions.

Max Mathurin said he would not lead Haiti into
disaster.

This are the first elections since President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled into exile in February
2004 when opposition to his rule grew violent.

An interim government was installed after Mr
Aristide's ousting, and UN peacekeepers were sent to
the impoverished Caribbean country.

However, political and criminal violence and
instability have continued.

'Serious problems'

The polls were originally due to be held on 13
November, but were delayed a number of times because
of organisational difficulties.

Other members of the Election Council again
highlighted serious problems with the distribution of
voter identification cards, and the recruitment of
polling station workers.

Earlier, a senior US official, Nicolas Burns, said on
a visit to Haiti that there should be no further
delays in the country's presidential and legislative
elections.

He said the polls were a chance for Haitians to choose
a new government that could provide stability and
peace.

The UN has also voiced concerns about the
postponements.

Despite the uncertainty over the exact date of he
vote, campaigning is already under way with more than
30 candidates running for president.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/4551694.stm

Published: 2005/12/22 11:09:00 GMT

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