Haiti holds long-delayed presidential elections
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Voters wait in line to vote at a polling station in Port-a-Piment, Haiti, November 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
PEC canceled a scheduled presidential runoff two days before voters were to go to the polls on Jan. 24, citing rising violence and threats against the election process.
The runoff pitted Celestin, of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation, against ruling Tet Kale Haitian Party candidate Moise.
Tensions rose after Moise won the first round on Oct. 25, 2015 with 32.8 percent of the ballots, followed by Celestin, who garnered 25 percent of the ballots.
The outcome angered supporters of the opposition, since going into the first round, polls showed Celestin was the favorite to win, with 33.4 percent support, while Moise trailed in a distant second place with 17.5 percent.
On Sunday, Haitians also had to elect a third of congress -- 16 senators and 25 deputies -- and local authorities.
Should a presidential runoff be needed, it would be held in January.
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