27683: Craig (news) BBC: Haiti poll may go to second round (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Dan Craig


Haiti poll may go to second round

The prospect of a second, run-off round in Haiti's presidential election grew 
as the results after two-thirds of the votes had been counted were announced.

Former President Rene Preval, a one-time ally of ousted leader Jean-Bertrand 
Aristide, saw his share of the vote drop to 49.6%.

Mr Preval needs at least 50% to avoid a run-off round, and final results are 
expected on Sunday.

Supporters marched in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, insisting he had won.

Some have also alleged fraud, although international observers say the process 
has been free and fair.

'No peace'

With 72% of the vote counted, another ex-leader, Leslie Manigat's has 11.6% of 
the vote, while industrialist Charles Henry Baker has 8.1%, electional 
officials say.

Mr Preval held 61% of the vote after the first results were released on 
Thursday, but the figure had dropped to 50.2% on Friday.

The country - the poorest in the Americas - is choosing a 129-member parliament 
as well as a new president.

While the election process has been considered peaceful, correspondents say 
there are fears that a possible second round may bring fresh instability.

Several hundred people marched on the National Palace in the capital on 
Saturday in support of Mr Preval, who has inherited Mr Aristide's strong 
support among Haiti's poor.

"If they don't give us Preval, there will be no peace," a 46-year-old woman, 
who called herself Marie, was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

"Somebody paid the election council to give away the result."

Warning over Aristide

Charles Henry Baker has also alleged fraud, claiming some people were allowed 
to vote more than once because voter lists were not followed.

International observers say there have been some minor procedural 
irregularities but have deemed the election free and fair.

The US State Department has also declared the voting process free from fraud.

"The key here is that there is a high turnout. The Haitian people invested in 
this election process," state department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

However, in an implicit warning to Mr Preval - who once had strong links with 
Mr Aristide - the spokesman said the US expects the deposed leader to remain in 
exile in South Africa.

Mr Preval has told the BBC Mr Aristide may return if he wishes, although he 
would not tolerate the violent groups that have pledged allegiance to him.

In one positive sign, a prominent gang leader declared that his group would lay 
down their guns if Mr Preval - seen as the champion of the poor - becomes 
president.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/americas/4703138.stm
Published: 2006/02/12 02:50:14 GMT
© BBC MMVI