HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

January 3, 2011. Protests erupt on Independence Day in Haiti

SOURCE: Altegrity Risk International

More than 100 protesters angered by a dysfunctional election commemorated Haiti's Independence Day on January 1st by burning tires and demanding that President Rene Preval be arrested. Demonstrators blocked roads and filled streets with garbage in Port-au-Prince before being dispersed by police. In Gonaives, Preval urged national unity and patience in a speech interrupted by protesters who demanded that he step down.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has called on Preval to delay announcing election results until an international panel of experts can review the vote in an election marred by violence, fraud, and low turnout.