Violence continues in Haiti’s capital despite cancellation of elections

Independent observer organizations had called for the election to be rescheduled amid suspicions that the first vote was rigged and after the main opposition candidate threatened to withdraw.

After the postponement, members of Moise’s campaign team were grim-faced as they gathered at a city hotel.

Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, said that the United Nations and its partners maintained their “full support to the efforts aimed at identifying consensual and constructive solutions to the current challenges of governance of Haiti through elections and dialogue between stakeholders”, according to the UN News Center.

Martelly had said the runoff would go on as scheduled and accused the opposition of trying to derail the vote with bogus fraud accusations so a transitional government they would dominate could be set up.

The announcement first sparked jubilation among the demonstrators on the streets of the capital Port-au-Prince, but the mood quickly darkened.

The Provisional Electoral Council in Haiti has postponed the election amid escalating protests by the opposition, which claims the first round was marred by fraud in favor of a government-backed candidate. Young men threw rocks and lit tire barricades on fire downtown, sending black smoke billowing into the air.

Ruling party candidate Jovenel Moise said he was mystified that electoral authorities would again postpone the run-off without immediately providing a new date.

Presidential elections in Haiti were scheduled to be held this Sunday, but have been suspended over fears for the safety of voters and property.

“This unfolding political crisis has already started to undermine the economic and social conditions of the population and the poorest, which represent the majority of Haitians are going to be the most affected as always”, Fatton said. He added that those who will participate are “traitors to the nation”, which some say stoked the political instability the country is now witnessing.

“It seems like politicians want to drag the Haitian people backward”, said Karine Fenelon, as she picked out oranges at a roadside fruit stall.

“All of these so-called friends of Haiti are stopping us from moving forward”, mechanic Patrick Augustin said.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has a long-standing arrest warrant against Philippe for alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering.