Head of Haiti's electoral council flees the country

[bemildred]

Port-au-Prince — The head of Haiti's electoral council fled the country after opponents threatened his life and burned down his farmhouse nearly two weeks after disputed elections, an official said Monday.

Jacques Bernard, appointed three months ago to bring order to a council that was plagued by organizational problems and infighting, left Sunday and may have travelled to Miami, said Michel Brunache, chief of staff for interim President Boniface Alexandre.

On Friday, Mr. Bernard had reported receiving threats and requested more security amid complaints about the vote count from the Feb. 7 elections, which returned former president René Preval to the office, Mr. Brunache said.

“He said he was afraid for himself and his family and said he wanted more security,” Mr. Brunache said. “I was shocked when I heard he had left.”

Globe And Mail

[AlamoDemoc]

1. It is my my hope

The recent election in Haiti would hold, however, I am afraid there are other forces involved in the process...mainly the US, France and Canada. I would hope that the people of Haiti will find this recent election as their last and everlasting peace toward democracy.

[Judi Lynn]

2. I hope this only the beginning of questions about what the hell happened

to that election. Someone, somehow MUST learn exactly who tried to burn up all those pro-Preval ballots someone tried to hide in the landfill 5 miles away from town.

Hopefully the people responsible just won't be able to hide it this time.

[bemildred]

3. "What fresh hell is this?" seems like the proper response.

Having the UN "peacekeepers" there might actually be useful, though, in this situation, it will be harder for sore losers to get cute while there all those troops for all over there.

[Mika]

4. And where did this crook flee to? Miami - of course

From the G&M link,

Jacques Bernard, appointed three months ago to bring order to a council that was plagued by organizational problems and infighting, left Sunday and may have travelled to Miami

Well, I guess that his financial backers will hook him up with a lucrative job as a Florida lobbyist or with the new port "security" company or some such opportunity.

:puke: