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Haitian electoral officials resign in wake of election postponement

Xinhua, January 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

Two members of Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) have resigned over the weekend following the CEP's decision to postpone Sunday's presidential runoff.

CEP Vice President Pierre Manigat Jr. and human rights representative Jacceus Joseph both submitted resignation letters to Haitian President Michel Martelly.

Manigat, who was the CEP's press representative, stepped down after receiving a letter from the Association of Haitian Journalists suggesting he withdraw from the council "to avoid condoning the catastrophes that the elections of Jan. 24 could cause if they are carried out," according to news website Haiti Libre.

Joseph, meanwhile, wrote "I cannot be an accomplice to elections marred by a credibility deficit, which necessarily will lead to political instability and the installation of illegitimate leaders."

Following reported attacks on at least two polling stations in Haiti, the CEP suspended the vote, citing a "deteriorating security situation and threats to the electoral process."

The runoff pitted opposition candidate Jude Celestin, of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH), against ruling Tet Kale Haitian Party (PHTK) candidate Jovenel Moise.

Tensions rose after Moise won the first round on Oct. 25 with 32.8 percent of the ballots, or 511,992 votes, followed by Celestin, who garnered 25 percent of the ballots, or 394,390 votes.

Going into the first round, however, Celestin was the favorite to win, with 33.4 percent support, while Moise trailed in distant second place with 17.5 percent, according to the polls.

On Saturday in the metropolitan area, thousands of people took to the streets demanding the departure of the head of state, prime minister and the formation of a transitional government before Feb. 7.

On the same day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement urging "all stakeholders to work towards the peaceful completion of the electoral process without delay." Endi