27655: 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

Latest interim results in Haiti's election suggest the presidential race will 
go to a second, run-off round.

Former President Rene Preval, a one-time ally of ousted leader Jean-Bertrand 
Aristide, is now polling 50.2% with half the votes counted.

Mr Preval needs at least 50% to avoid a run-off. His supporters are alleging 
fraud after seeing his share drop from more than 60% in first results issued.

But international observers say the poll was free and fair.

Another ex-leader, Leslie Manigat, has 11.4%, while industrialist Charles Henry 
Baker has 8.3%, latest results show.

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

The election process has so far been peaceful but the news of a possible second 
round could bring fresh instability, says the BBC's Claire Marshall in the 
capital, Port-au-Prince.

"We all voted for Preval. I really hope there isn't a second round because it 
will mean the election results were fiddled with and there will be trouble," 
one woman in an impoverished slum, where Preval enjoys strong support, told the 
BBC.

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 were some minor procedural irregularities 
during Tuesday's voting 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: 2006/02/11 02:04:48 GMT
© BBC MMVI