Americas

Home page

Americas

Haiti presidential hopefuls

28 November 2010 02:02 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. A colorful group of people are running in a complicated Haitian presidential race where the stakes are high in Sunday’s elections. Each represents a different segment of Haitian society. With observers saying the race will go to a Jan. 16 runoff, five have shown themselves to be strong competitors with the chance to emerge among the final two, APA reports quoting miamiherald.com website.
Below, a list of the presidential hopeuls:
â€¢ Baker, Charles Henri, Respe -- Apparel manufacturer and opposition leader who was at the forefront of a rebellion that ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004. He lost a 2006 presidential bid. He is among the ones to watch, having spent the last five years building his political party.
â€¢ CÃ©lestin, Jude INITE (UNITY) -- A mechanical engineer who formerly ran the Haiti’s road-building outfit, CNE. He is President RenÃ© PrÃ©val’s media-shy pick whose campaign has focused on rallies and building network of supporters. While his rallies have drawn thousands, anti-PrÃ©val sentiments and accusations that the party is using government funds to pay fund elaborate spending on oversized billboards, posters, and helicopters could hurt it at the polls. Haiti finance minister has said all government funds given to the campaign has been transparent. The electoral council said no one has filed any official complaint against the party for alleged use of state resources.
â€¢ CÃ©ant, Jean Henry, Renmen Ayiti -- One of Haiti’s most powerful notaries and an attorney who was close to Aristide. He has been telling Haitians he supports the return of the exiled leader. The former leader’s house in Tabarre is decorated with CÃ©ant’s posters, though Aristide has not officially endorsed him. But he also has received the support of a powerful peasant leader in the Central Plateau.
Support from some high-profile Lavalas leaders, despite the party’s boycott of the elections because it was not allowed to participate, has made him one to watch. A poll done by Haitian-Americans showed that he was heavily favored by some respondents in camps.
â€¢ Manigat, Mirlande, RDNP -- Vice rector at private Quisqueya University, Haitian constitutional expert and former first lady. She has been leading in polls but many have not forgiven her for pulling her 2006 Senate campaign after her husband, former President Leslie Manigat challenged his loss to President RenÃ© PrÃ©val in that year’s presidential elections.
She has won the endorsement of a high profile, but yet controversial senator, Youri Latortue of the Artibonite region. And while she is a sentimental favorite, many wonder if her supporters will mobilize to vote.
â€¢ Martelly, Michel ``Sweet Micky’’ Joseph, Repons Peyizan -- Popular musician and self-proclaimed ``President of konpa,’’ better known as the Haitian merengue. He and his wife also run a foundation that has been providing food and relief. His fans have become rabid followers, making him a potential spoiler.
â€¢ Abellard, Axan Delson, KNDA -- He withdrew his candidacy and threw his support behind candidate Mirlande Manigat. But the businessman’s name remains on the ballot.
â€¢ Alexis, Jacques-Edouard, Movement for the Progress of Haiti -- Co-founder of private Quisqueya university and two-time prime minister under PrÃ©val. Because he was set aside for CÃ©lestin, many inside INITE (UNITY) remain divided and are supporting Alexis over CÃ©lestin. This has created friction within the party.
â€¢ Anacasis, Jean Hector, MODEJHA. A senator who is close to PrÃ©val and presidential candidate JudÃ© CÃ©lestin.
â€¢ Bijou, Anne Marie Josette, independent. A physician and one of two women in the race. She is a former minister of health.
â€¢ Blot, Gerard Marie Necker, Platfom 16 Desanm. He allegedly withdrew his candidacy. He is a physician who was close to former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
â€¢ Charles, Eric Smarcki, PENH -- Former director of Port-au-Prince customs office. In a televised debate, he described himself as a doctor ready to provide remedy to Haiti.
â€¢ Cristalin, Yves, Lavni -- Former minister of Social Affairs in current RenÃ© PrÃ©val government, founding member of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s Fanmi Lavalas party and of PrÃ©val’s INITE coalition. His campaign calls for voters to support him so that Aristide, currently living in South Africa, can return.
â€¢ Jeudy, Wilson Force 2010. Mayor of Delmas, the city with the wealthiest tax base in Haiti. He was recently among those who called for a postponement of the elections.
â€¢ Jeune, Jean Chavannes, ACCRHA, pastor -- Ran for president in 2006. While he has not shown a strong campaign, he is a well-respected leader in the Protestant community and they are a strong voting bloc.
â€¢ Jeune, Leon J., KLE. Close to Aristide and is a former secretary of state of security under Aristide.
â€¢ Joseph, Genard, Groupement Solidarte. Former Fanmi Lavalas organizer and organizer of the student movement in 1986.
â€¢ Laguerre, Garaudy, Wozo. Formerly worked in the ministry of foreign affairs and operates a non-governmental organization. Among those who sked for postponement.
â€¢ Neptune, Yvon, Ayisyen pou Ayiti -- Prime minister during Aristide’s second presidency and former president of the Haitian Senate. Trained as an architect.
â€¢ Leslie Voltaire, Ansanm Nou Fo -- Former minister of Haitians Living Abroad under former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Currently serves as government liaison to the UN and Cornell-educated urban planner.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/26/v-fullstory/1944242/haiti-presidential-hopefuls.html#ixzz16UtgbxpD