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Haitians elect businessman Moise as president

Presidential candidate Jovenel Moise, from the PHTK party, speaks during a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Jan. 4, 2016. (Photo by AP)

People in Haiti have chosen businessman Jovenel Moise as their next president in the first round of the presidential election avoiding the runoff, official early results reveal.

Political novice Moise of the PHTK political party came ahead of Jude Celestin, candidate of the opposition LAPEH political party, garnering 55.67 percent against 19.52 percent in the November 20 elections.

The final results are due to be announced on December 29 and candidates can challenge the early results released from the presidential and parliament election in electoral courts until then.

The presidential election was originally scheduled for October 2015, however, the island nation plunged into severe turmoil after the vote and authorities were forced to cancel the results amid protests and allegations of massive fraud.

The government then planned the polls for October 9 although the devastating Hurricane Matthew which swept through the country on October 4 forced it to cancel the elections.

A supporter celebrates the victory of Jovenel Moise following preliminary results in the first round of Haiti's presidential election on November 28, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Former President Michel Martelly’s mandate expired in February and senate chief Jocelerme Privert was chosen as the interim head of state, serving as provisional president.

According to official figures, some 6.2 million people were eligible to cast their ballots for 27 candidates, although voters had shown little enthusiasm in the elections because of the electoral chaos which has gripped the country for more than a year.

Figures show a very low turnout, with critics claiming there had been instances of fraud. Electoral observers, however, said the vote had been acceptable.

The 48-year-old Moise, owner of a successful banana export company, will have a bumpy road ahead as president of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 

He has to undertake the daunting task of reviving Haiti's depressed economy and bring back calm and tranquility to the nation.


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