Politics in Haiti > Haiti Political Crisis

Martelly, Manigat, One thing they both have in common

In the next few days, Haiti will have a newly elected president. It will be either Michel 'Sweet Micky' Martelly or Mirlande Manigat. There is one thing they both have in common and it is NOT the fact that their both have the initials 'M.M.'

Here is what I read on the wall street journal...

When Haitians go to the polls to choose a new president on Sunday in a runoff election, it will be the first time in 20 years that neither Aristide nor his alter ego and former ally, the current president Rene Preval, will be on the ballot.

This could be a pivotal moment for Haiti.

For the winner, the difficulties will be daunting.

After nearly 50 years of repressive tyranny - two Duvaliers, Aristide, Preval - the new president will inherit a bureaucracy more akin to an organized crime network than a civil service.

On top of that, Bill Clinton, a longtime friend of the status quo, is now the United Nations special envoy for the country and the unofficially appointed U.S. go-to guy on aid decisions.

No wonder so many see Haiti as a lost cause...

There is something revolutionary in the mix this time around that makes the future brighter. Both candidates are reaching out to the Haitian diaspora to come home, join the new government, and help rebuild their country.

No president since 1957 has wanted that.

What you just read, with a little modification, are the words of MARY ANASTASIA O'GRADY in the article 'Homecoming for Haitians'.

It says a lot... I really want to hear your opinion about it.

Reply with your comments.

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All Comments (13)

Richelle says...

Hey buozin sale se ou kap ramase neg dyol bokie, ou sitelemen pren neg sale andan langiet ou gin

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Nancy says...

bob se mari richelle ou ye ou byen se matelly ki bob

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Ronald Altieri says...

Bob, Mwen salue'ou

Kitem rentre nan nannan messaj ou'a. Ou di ke
Pi gwo pwoblem peyi a, se pwoblem

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Bob says...

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Etienne says...

I welcome that attitude from a future president of Haiti.

I hope that they are sincere and not saying it just to get the backing of the Diaspora to get more vote. I would love to go back home and contribute in any way I can. We will

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Achille Gabriel says...

I hope that they follow thru with this promise.

However, they need to go further by changing the law there by giving haitian american the right to cast ballot.

As I understand it, once you've given up your haitian citizenship, you've also lost your voting right.

And that is

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Neg Lakay says...

Wonderful analysis Frantz.

Irie feeling and cool

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Frantz Dorismnd says...

Before 1957 no haitian gov't had to go to haitians abroad to help haiti because fewer haitians would travel abroad and settle there.

they would choose to go back enjoy their sun and there were plainty of work to go around under Estime gov't and Magloire gov't. Now it is a different ball game:we are under occupation ; thanks to Aristide since 1994 who requested it as UN recognised legitimate president of Haiti, thru his letters to the UN and PREVAL who allowed them to stay in Haiti until now, under the cover of restoring democraty in our country.

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Tigeorge says...

Nou dako tet kale pou nou voye tet kale'a monte presidan tet

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Josy says...

I understand Mr. Manigat left his first wife, and kids to marry on his student (Mirlande).

She turned down a Senate position, because her husband was not elected for president and was too upset.

I want the "without sin" to cast the first stone, and we are all sinners.

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