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Aristide Makes Rare Public Appearance for Haiti Elections
Source: Associated Press
Aristide Makes Rare Public Appearance for Haiti Elections
By DANICA COTO, ASSOCIATED PRESS PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Oct 23, 2015, 5:30 PM ET
Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide made a surprise appearance Friday in the streets of Haiti's capital to show support for one of the top presidential candidates in weekend elections.
Aristide, one of Haiti's most popular and divisive figures, waved to a crowd while standing in a car next to Maryse Narcisse, leader of the Fanmi Lavalas political party founded by the former president. The two were surrounded by people reaching out to them and taking pictures.
Aristide, who fled Haiti on a U.S. plane in February 2004 after a violent uprising that led to his second ouster, has rarely left his house in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Tabarre since returning to the impoverished country in 2011. He appeared in front of his house last month to urge Haitians to vote for Narcisse, but Friday was the first time he went into the streets to support her.
Aristide's public appearance comes amid growing concerns that violence could disrupt Sunday's elections.
A local human rights group warned that the country is not fully prepared for the vote despite assurances from the government that it will be an organized and peaceful process.
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By DANICA COTO, ASSOCIATED PRESS PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Oct 23, 2015, 5:30 PM ET
Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide made a surprise appearance Friday in the streets of Haiti's capital to show support for one of the top presidential candidates in weekend elections.
Aristide, one of Haiti's most popular and divisive figures, waved to a crowd while standing in a car next to Maryse Narcisse, leader of the Fanmi Lavalas political party founded by the former president. The two were surrounded by people reaching out to them and taking pictures.
Aristide, who fled Haiti on a U.S. plane in February 2004 after a violent uprising that led to his second ouster, has rarely left his house in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Tabarre since returning to the impoverished country in 2011. He appeared in front of his house last month to urge Haitians to vote for Narcisse, but Friday was the first time he went into the streets to support her.
Aristide's public appearance comes amid growing concerns that violence could disrupt Sunday's elections.
A local human rights group warned that the country is not fully prepared for the vote despite assurances from the government that it will be an organized and peaceful process.
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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/aristide-makes-rare-public-appearance-haiti-elections-34690869
