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-- unlike previous elections, residents couldn't vote where they chose; nor could they with only a receipt signifying they applied, but hadn't received an ID card; and
-- a campaign to let camp residents vote where they were failed; most were denied, sparking violent clashes.
According to longtime Haitian establishment observer Mark Schneider, it amounted to a "nefarious plan to steal the election." Kinder critics cited bureaucratic glitches. Honest ones denounced massive fraud. The entire process was bogus, an election in name only. As a result, "People were frustrated - you saw thousands in the streets, screaming." Anger continues and may explode if Preval declares Celestin the winner.
On December 4, Haitian Truth.org headlined, "Ultimatum for Preval," saying:
Washington gave him until Sunday night, December 5, for resolution, "or further steps will be taken. The American embassy sent a team to Cap Haitien, Grande Anse and the Artibonite to see what the reaction would be to" a Celestin victory. They "discovered (he) has no support and the population's reaction would be immediate and violent."
Suggestions are "that Preval should step down, (citing) ill health, leaving (Jean-Max) Bellerive as Prime Minister. A new CEP (could) be created, probably with political groups having some say in the choice. Preval is always unpredictable and may dare the Americans by choosing Celestin. The situation is explosive!!!"
As of early December 6, no results have been announced. However, on December 5, protests continued, Al Jazeera headlining, "Haiti protesters clash with police," saying:
"Hundreds of protesters, demanding the annulment of Haiti's elections, have clashed with riot police in (Port-au-Prince)," stoking tensions ahead of preliminary results expected on December 7. A likely mid-January run-off is expected unless Preval declares his man the winner with a majority of electoral votes.
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