The elections of 1995 in Haiti

Hartford Web Publishing is not the author of the documents in World History Archives and does not presume to validate their accuracy or authenticity nor to release their copyright.

Occupation elections bound for trouble
Haiti Progres, 29 March to 4 April 1995. Many people outside Haiti believe US claims that the elections will be an opportunity for the Haitian people to freely choose their leaders. Indeed, some in the solidarity movement, who even opposed US intervention in Haiti, are preparing to monitor the elections, thus lending legitimacy to what many of Haiti's popular organizations consider a bogus electoral process and, more generally, tacitly endorsing the US military intervention and occupation of Haiti.
The UN takes over
By Sally Burch, Latin American Information Agency (ALAI), April 1995. When Bill Clinton visited on 31 March, the UN took over responsibility for policing the coming elections in June. The Lavalas organization devises a common platform. Political instability in March. Economic projects.
Electoral Council under fire
By Ives Marie Chanel, IPS, 8 April 1995. As the June 4 date for municipal and local elections nears, charges mount by right that authorities are biased in favor of Lavalas, the pro-Aristide party.
Haiti readied for OAS, elections. High-Profile Events Key to Legitimizing Occupation, Status Quo
Haiti Info, 3 June 1995. Despite the continued atmosphere of impunity, murders and attacks in broad daylight and many reported irregularities, preparations are full-steam-ahead for this month's elections, with heavy support from the U.S. and the international community.
Three press dispatches on the elections
6 June 1995. Two reports from Reuter and one from Haiti Info. The dispatches reflect two points of view about the elections.
Update on the elections
The US-Haiti International Liaison Office of President Aristide, Update, 21 June 1995. The official view.
U.S. funding right-wing candidates in Haiti
By Les Bayless, People's Weekly World, 24 June 1995. The US funding of candidates to run against Aristide's Lavalas people's movement.
Election show kicks off without the people
This Week in Haiti, 21-27 June 1995. Expectations for June 25 election compared to massive turnout for Father Aristide in December 1990.
Elections alone will not solve Haiti's problems
News release from Development GAP, 23 June 1995.
Election soup leaves a big mess
This Week in Haiti, 28 June–4 July 1995.
A day of confusion: Despite low participation and irregularities, elections approved
Haiti Info, 1 July 1995. Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) accepts outcome, and Lavalas the victor.
Why they did not support elections...
Haiti Info, 1 July 1995. Some views from the 70% who chose not to participate in the election.
Election deal elusive
Haiti Progress, This Week in Haiti, 5–11 July 1995. Trying to salvage something from the disastrously botched June 25 local and parliamentary vote, President Jean-Bertrand Aristide moved this week to broker some kind of deal between his Lavalas Political Platform (PPL) and Haiti's other traditional political parties.
Elections: Second round
Haiti Info, 16 September 1995. Despite the boycott of most political parties, most of them actually particles implicated in the coup d'etat and the majority of which did not quality for the second round anyway, elections will be held in 55 zones tomorrow. Fifty are runoff races and five are reruns, supposedly due to irregularities. A total of 126 candidates will participate.
Haiti refuses to vote
Haiti Progres, This Week in Haiti, 20–26 September 1995. Thwarting Washington's expensive effort at staging a demonstration election, the Haitian people this week almost totally refused to participate in the third vote for municipal and parliamentary posts.
What to make of Aristide's current leanings
By Bob Corbett, Haiti-list, 26 November 1995. The events of the last few days, especially the suggestion from Aristide that he might be willing to put the elections aside and to reclaim the three years stolen from him, invite reflection and discussion.
Aristide to Step Down (excerpt)
By Douglas Farah, The Washington Post, 10 December 1995. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide – shut the door last week on the possibility of remaining in office past his constitutionally mandated term, saying the impression he would not step down was a misunderstanding and … presidential elections will go forward as scheduled … December 17.
Lavalas offers new president with same agenda
Haiti Progres, This Week in Haiti, 13–19 December 1995. You might not know that a presidential election in full swing because none of the candidates, including the Lavalas Political Platform's Rene Preval who is expected to win the election easily, have much to say or to offer to the people of Haiti.