Protests in Haiti enter fifth day

Anti-government protesters continue to vent their anger on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, despite the cancellation of the presidential run-off.

The protesters held their identification cards, mocking the electoral process they claim was flawed.

“Today I voted for a kidnapper. I voted for insecurity. I voted for an expensive life. I voted for a dictatorship. I voted for the old military men who are the ones who are smashing our bones,” said one protester.

“If they send me to Tabarre (commune), I’ll go. if they send me to Leogane, I’ll go. if they tell me to go to the voting centre, I ‘ll go and vote because i can’t vote. Martelly, give me somewhere to vote,” said another protester.

Sundays protest in the capital was less violent as compared to the previous days in which several property were destroyed.

The postponed presidential run off was expected to have chosen a successor to incumbent President Michel Martelly but the protesters want him to step down right away. They accuse him of favouring his successor Jovenel Moise, an allegation he says is unfounded.

Jovenel Moise came first in the first round of elections with Jude Celestin taking the second position. The two men were expected to have competed in the run-off but Celestin earlier withdrew from the race.

The opposition protesters on Saturday vowed to keep marching on the streets until President Martelly leaves.

“The demonstrations will continue until the people are satisfied with their demands; that President Martelly leaves on February 7. Afterwards, we will have to reform the electoral council and organise elections that the majority of the people can trust. And then the protests will stop,” said Rene Momplaisir, the manager of Jude Celestin’s campaign.