An array of leading writers, philosophers, activists and campaigners have published an open letter calling for the international community to support the democratic process in Haiti, starting with new elections:
For more background to the current situation in Haiti, see Peter Hallward's Damming the Flood, out now in paperback.
The powers that dominate Haiti have facilitated the return of the former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier while discouraging the return of the twice-elected president (and Fanmi Lavalas leader) Jean-Bertrand Aristide. These powers, with their allies in the Haitian business community, have made it clear that they seek to delay Aristide's return until after 20 March. They will only allow Aristide to return after a suitably pliant new government has been installed, to preside over the imminent reconstruction process.
We the undersigned call on the Haitian government to make the security arrangements that will enable Aristide's immediate return, and we call on the international community to support rather than undermine these efforts. We call on the Haitian government to cancel the second-round vote scheduled for 20 March and to organise a new round of elections, without exclusions or interference, to take place as soon as possible.Visit the Guardian to read the full letter and list of signatories.
For more background to the current situation in Haiti, see Peter Hallward's Damming the Flood, out now in paperback.
