Haitians told, be calm

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti today called on all candidates in the second round of presidential and legislative elections on Sunday to show patience and restraint as they wait for the results of the vote.

In a statement, the UN peacekeeping mission said the message of restraint and clam was also being sent to the followers of the candidates, warning that the future of the impoverished Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is at stake.

“The second round of the presidential and legislative elections has concluded in considerably better conditions than the first round despite some logistical and administrative problems and isolated acts of violence in certain departments,” the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

“MINUSTAH congratulates the Haitian people for the patriotic spirit, calm and discipline which they have shown,” it added, praising the efforts of the authorities to make the run-off credible and allow the popular will to be expressed.

MINUSTAH, with almost 12,250 uniformed personnel currently on the ground, has been in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere since mid-2004 after then president Jean-Bertrand Aristide went into exile amid violent unrest.

Aristide returned to the country mere days before Sunday’s poll despite pleas by the United States thayt his presence could affect the voting.

Aristide’s Lavalas party was not allowed by the CEP to contest the elections. (CMC)