Aristide Is Not the Way for Haiti

Jean-Bertrand Aristide is Haiti’s No. 1 politician, so popular that he could have easily won his country’s presidency last Sunday in a fair and free election. But no, Aristide looked aside as his followers launched a campaign of violent intimidation against his political opponents, resulting in at least 15 deaths since late March. Arson attacks on opposition offices preceded the vote, and after the election the counting process was clearly defective.

It was the second time this year that an election has been marred by irregularities attributed to Aristide’s ruling Lavalas Family party. Over the last 14 years, the Haitian people have endured three coups and 10 different governments. Washington and other hemispheric powers have tried to help develop a credible electoral system but failed repeatedly.

Haiti’s continued poor performance in employment, health care, education and other areas spotlights the island nation as an avoidable failure, and in part the fault lies with Aristide, who was almost literally restored to the presidency six years ago by U.S. diplomacy. His election to a second term on Sunday came after he was out of office for one term.

Clearly the time is here to channel aid beyond the reach of palace influence. Washington should encourage assistance delivered through nongovernmental organizations.

Further hopes lie in efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in the beleaguered country. Improved education and health and economic growth are the legs of a democratic Haiti. Aristide, given every opportunity to help his people, has failed utterly.