D-1 of the publication of preliminary results of the second round, the trend to the confrontation is maintained in some popular circles. Supporters of both candidates multiply the statements, some are threatening. The staffs of both candidates, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly have reaffirmed Friday their determination to gain power... assured of their victory...

The U.S. ambassador in Port-au-Prince, Mr. Merten urges candidates to use the legal channels to challenge after the publication of the results, noting that "Violence will not solve problems [...] I ask the supporters of candidates to keep their calm", said the diplomat on the sidelines of a ceremony that took place on March 31 to his residence at Bourdon.

Last Friday the police authorities, officials of the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (Minustah) and those of the joint mission OAS/CARICOM (JEOM) held a meeting in Gonaives with representatives of both presidential candidates, Michel Martelly and Mirlande Manigat. Discussions focused on the need to maintain a peaceful climate in the region, during and after the publication of preliminary results "No act of violence will be tolerated and the contestations will be made only in the manner prescribed by law" warned the authorities.

For its part, the Commission of Justice and Security of Senate, has convened Mario Andrésol, the Director General of National Police of Haiti (PNH), to a meeting tomorrow to know the measures taken by the institution, concerning the possible violent reactions following the publication of preliminary results, the publication scheduled for April 4, 2011. In addition, the commission seek to have details about the rumors that circulate, rumors saying that extremist supporters of both camps, maintains a climate of insecurity by threatening to take the streets, to defend by the force if necessary the vote of their candidate.

If the violent remarks of "groupuscules", partisans of Martelly is not a secret for anyone, it is nevertheless true that on the ground, individuals, no less dangerous, declaring themselves pro-Manigat do not intend to remain the "arms crossed" and declare themselves ready to use the same means, to ensure the victory of their candidate... We can only hope [without too much illusion] that the Haitian people will show to the world, that it's able to accept, the democratic voice of the polls, in the calm...

Since Saturday, in Port-au-Prince, the PNH began to deploy its ressource in certain sensitive areas. The day of Monday risk of being long and tense, pending the results which can be published at any hour of the day or late in the evening...

HL/ HaitiLibre