In preparation for the upcoming elections in Haiti, President Rene Préval has banned Fanmi Lavalas, the most popular political party in the country, from participating. The FL is the party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was overthrown in a 2004 U.S.-backed coup.
The Provisional Electoral Council, appointed by Préval, has “disqualified” 14 political parties from participating in the legislative elections. The CEP ruled that the FL cannot participate because its leader, Aristide, was not present to submit the paperwork because he is in exile.
The FL is popular largely because of its progressive policies, such as investing in infrastructure, education, housing and health care. The 2010 earthquake, which left 1.7 million Haitians internally displaced, has exacerbated the need for such reforms.
As a result of the illegal ruling, there have been constant protests in refugee camps and the streets of Port-au-Prince, and many Haitians are planning to boycott the elections.
In stark contrast, both the UN and United States are supporting the November elections.
