Haiti's presidential election postponed until November

Haiti's presidential election postponed until November

Richard Dumel said the nine-member council agreed on Wednesday to the new date for the elections

Associated PressUpdated: Saturday, August 14, 2021, 12:43 AM IST
article-image

Port-Au-Prince: Haitian authorities have postponed elections to choose the successor to assassinated President Jovenel Moïse until November 7, a spokesman for the electoral council confirmed Thursday.

Richard Dumel said the nine-member council agreed on Wednesday to the new date for the elections, which were originally to be held September 26.

He did not say why the vote was postponed. Haitians will also vote for a new legislative assembly and on a referendum on that date.

Moïse was killed on July 7, when armed men raided his private home. His wife, Martine Moïse, was seriously wounded but is recovering.

Police have detained more than 40 suspects, but there's still no clarity about who was behind the plot to kill him. Among the detainees are 18 former Colombian soldiers and 20 Haitian police officers.

Recently installed Prime Minister Ariel Henry had pledged to hold elections as soon as possible and said his government wanted a free and transparent vote.

The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been struggling with political instability for decades.

During his government, Moïse faced protests from people demanding he to step down while gang violence wracked parts of the country.

Political tensions increased in February when some opposition leaders claimed Moïse's legal term had expired. Moïse argued his term ended in February 2022 since he wasn't sworn in until 2017.

RECENT STORIES

Singapore Summer 2024 Set To Sizzle, With 2023 Recording 4th Hottest Ever

Singapore Summer 2024 Set To Sizzle, With 2023 Recording 4th Hottest Ever

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision