Haiti has a new president and his name is Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly.
A former Kompa music star, Martelly won the presidential election runoff by a wide margin against former first lady and ex-senator Mirlande Manigat.
The singer came up on top with 67.57% of the votes against 31.74% for the university scholar.
So, who is Martelly exactly?
He is a former carnival music king, with ties to the Duvaliers and has been a fierce critic of former democratically elected president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
What is Martelly offering?
A lot of hope of course: a mixture of right leaning ideas and national populism.
One controversial point though, he wants to restore the military force that has been involved in virtually every coups in the Caribbean’s country tumultuous history.
Should Haitians be hopeful of a Martelly presidency?
Yes, because during the campaign he has shown a lot of discipline for someone who used to show his derriere on stage during concerts.
He has also demonstrated a willingness to learn very quickly, this has surprised even his critics.
Martelly seems also capable of juggling efficiently with the different fractions of Haiti’s complex social melting pot.
Something that the ‘popular priest of the poor’ Aristide could not accomplish to stay in power.
On the opposite end, few signs coming from the new president’s campaign might make some people cringe.
The international community will have to play a role in keeping an eye on Martelly’s penchant for certain things from the Duvalierism era like the military and Tonton Macoutes.
According to the Guardian, the winner of the election sold $30 pink cards to some of his supporters promising them jobs if he is elected.
Haiti is at a turning point and the last thing it needs is a new despot.
No related posts.
Most Commented On