New Aristide Party Claims Election Win

Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s new party claimed to have won a majority of the vote in weekend elections--a ballot that has been tainted by minuscule turnout and charges of fraud. International observers estimated that about 5% of registered voters took part in Sunday’s elections, casting doubt on the official Provisional Electoral Council’s report of 50% turnout in some areas. Many Haitians who boycotted the vote were bitter that legislators in October approved an economic program that has raised food prices and eliminated many jobs. Aristide’s new Lavalas Family party suggested that the emerging election results proved that voters are ready for a new government. Opposition parties characterized the ballot as seriously flawed.