A spate of violence is characterizing the lead-up to Haiti’s general election, with several people injured despite increased security just two weeks ahead of the much-anticipated vote. The campaign officially closes on Oct 7., two days before the presidential and legislative elections. In Miragoane, province of Nippes, protestors threw stones at the political platform Pitit Dessalines, injuring three people, reported local media. The party’s leader and presidential candidate Jean-Charles Moise said he and his supporters were attacked by three different parties over the weekend, including one attack that broke his car’s window. Moise called the government to guarantee the protection of the candidates during the campaign.
Another political party, Fanmi Lavalas, was forced to cancel its political meeting on Saturday in Petit-Goave, where opponents demonstrated against ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, from the same party as he was visiting the town.
The protestors were showing banners with photos of journalist Brignol Lindor, allegedly assassinated by Aristide’s supporters in 2001 in Petit Goave. The Fanmi Lavalas party retreated to the town of Jacmel, where it eventually held the meeting.
Last week on Thursday, violent clashes occurred between supporters of Moise and the PHTK, the party of former President Michel Martelly. Both candidates are leading the polls in the race for the presidency.
Full Article: Haiti Rattled by Pre-Election Violence | News | teleSUR English.