AU-PRINCE: Haitian President Rene Preval warned Saturday that a political impasse over a disputed presidential elections has put his quake-hit Caribbean nation on a “dangerous” course. “This is a dangerous road we are on. In addition to natural disasters, we are in a political crisis following the November 28, 2010 elections,” Preval said on television from the northern city of Gonaives as the country marked 207 years of independence from France. International monitors have started a verification process aimed at breaking the political impasse in Haiti following the disputed elections. A 10-strong OAS team made up of statisticians and electoral and legal experts from the United States, Chile, Canada, France and Jamaica began their verification work on Thursday. No public statements are expected during a process expected to last several days before a report is presented to Preval, probably next week. Official results of the November 28 polls had former first lady Mirlande Manigat in the lead with 31 percent of the vote, followed by ruling party candidate Jude Celestin with 22 percent. But the count was rejected by popular singer Michel Martelly, who trailed Celestin in third by fewer than 7,000 votes and charged that Preval had rigged the vote in favor of his candidate. The two top vote getters in the firsst round are supposed to advance to a run-off on January 16 to decide who will succeed Preval. Preval, whose term ends February 7, has suggested that he could remain in office until May to allow time for the electoral impasse to be resolved. “A legitimate president and legitimate lawmakers must replace the president, senators and deputies,” Preval said, urging Haitians to respect the constitution to avoid “an even more serious crisis.” – Agence France
