In early December it was announced that former first lady, Mirlande Manigat, had won the presidential election in Haiti even though she lacked a majority of votes for a victory. This placed her in a runoff with a protege of President Rene Preval, Jude Celestin. However, third-place candidate and popular musician, Michael Martelly, argued that he received more votes than Celestin, which was confirmed by the Organization of American States. Thus Martinelly also gained a spot in the runoff.
The political crisis in Haiti will not be resolved until spring as the country's election panel revesled a timetable for a runoff and subsequent vote tally. Moreover, the Provisional Electoral Council has stated that it will reveal the results of the presidential vote on Wednesday, along with a runoff on March 20. The final results will thus be revealed on April 16.
The efforts to resolve the political turmoil arose as the toll in the national outbreak of chlorea reached over 4,000. As of January 24th more than 200,000 have been infected and 4,030 have died.
By Aleksandra Ruseva
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