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Haïti: a singer becomes president
05/04/2011
We’ve already seen singers become the Minister of Culture or Tourism, notably Brazil’s Gilberto Gil, the Panamanian Ruben Blades, and more recently, Mario Lucio in Cape Verde. But a singer as president of anything more than the Musicians’ Union is a first. Haïti has just elected popular carnival singer Michel Martelly as its head of state.
The results were announced yesterday by Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, with Michel Martelly gaining 67.6% of the votes, giving him a clear victory over the opposition candidate, former first lady Mirlande Manigat, who reportedly finished with 31.7% of the votes.
The announcement marks the end of a drawn-out electoral process rocked by civil unrest and accusations of fraud since the first round in November 2010. The singer’s campaign hinged on social justice and a promise to root out corruption among the country’s elite, winning him widespread popular support. Following the devastating earthquake of January 2010, Haïti has faced growing social and political turmoil.
Yesterday, young Haitians danced in the streets of the capital Port-au-Prince. It remains to be seen if their hopes will be met by the man formerly known as “Sweet Micky”...
François Mauger
05/04/2011
HAITI SOCIETY MICHEL MARTELLY
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