PORT-AU-PRINCE, (Reuters) – Thousands of supporters of Haiti’s outgoing President Michel Martelly have been taking to the streets in the capital, demanding speedy elections to end a crisis of power in the Caribbean nation.
The latest protest came on Thursday, with demonstrators demanding a new date for a runoff presidential election.
Martelly is due to leave office on Feb. 7 but has no elected replacement and says he will not leave without a clear path to succession.
“I could not, as president, wake up on Feb. 7 and depart while leaving the country in an uncertain situation. Uncertainty, no! Consensus, yes! Dialogue, yes!” Martelly told reporters.
Haiti was due to choose Martelly’s replacement last Sunday, but the runoff vote was postponed indefinitely after opposition candidate Jude Celestin refused to participate over alleged fraud that sparked anti-government protests and violence.
