Protests in Haiti over political uncertainty

Thousands of Haitians have taken to the streets of Port-au-Prince to signal their support for a five-member commission, preparing to evaluate last year's contested presidential election.

A supporter of former presidential candidate Maryse Narcisse from Fanmi Lavalas political party holds up a sign that reads in Creole "Long live the commission," Source: AAP

Senate leader Jocelerme Privert took office as Haiti's caretaker president with one real task: Quickly untangle a political stalemate blocking presidential and legislative runoff elections.

Under the accord that helped put him in office, Privert was supposed to make way for a voter-approved president May 14 following a late April election.

Supporters of former presidential candidate Maryse Narcisse from the Fanmi Lavalas party perform a voodoo ceremony before the start of a demonstration. (AAP). Source: AAP

But his provisional administration got off to a sluggish start, and only recently appointed a commission to verify contested elections held last year that many Haitians believe were rigged to benefit Tet Kale, the party of previous President Michel Martelly.

 

Lawmakers aligned with Tet Kale are demanding Privert's resignation, accusing him of putting up obstacles so he can hold onto power. 

 

The impasse is a reminder of the fragility of democracy in one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world.