By EVENS SANON
Associated Press
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Thousands of anti-government protesters marched Saturday through Haiti’s capital for the second time in two days amid anger over delayed elections and other issues.
The crowd began marching peacefully toward the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince, but protesters later began burning tires, throwing rocks at police and trying to force their way through barricades as officers fired tear gas.
Many protesters carried posters demanding that President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe step down.
“We need elections in the country so democracy can continue … not corruption,” said Jean Ronald Brison, owner of an auto parts store.
Martelly’s administration was supposed to call elections in 2011 for a majority of Senate seats, the entire Chamber of Deputies and local offices. But both he and Lamothe have blamed legislators for blocking a vote that would lead to approval of an electoral law. Six senators have said the legislation is unconstitutional and favors the government.
A similar protest held Friday also turned violent, with police firing tear gas at protesters who burned tires and threw rocks as they pushed through the security perimeter at the National Palace. No deaths or major injuries were reported.
Lamothe addressed the protest late Friday via Twitter: “We urge demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right with restraint and responsibility.”
Four anti-government demonstrations have been held in Haiti’s capital in about a month and a fifth is planned for next week.
The PNH has a preference for the Prime Minister since he is trying to have people honour the law. On too many occasions, people pursued by the PNH run and hide in the palace.
Kiko, the President’s brother-in-law has created major problems with his attacks on the PM for the PM’s effort to hold criminals accountable.
Martelly’s family could well result in the total failure of the government and a total destruction of whatever positive.legacy he had hoped for.
The next few days may see President Martelly make a few decisions that will take him along the first few steps towards disaster.
The loss of Prime Minister Lamothe will guarantee the following collapse of the Martelly government, within 4 months.
Sad, but true.
Another Greek/Haitian tragedy.
No surprise here, Lamorthe never had the Governor of Haiti benediction “slick Willy” Bill Clinton, Bellerive his lapdog was his choice. The reality is Haiti is a systemic
mess created by Lavalas Aristide and “Slick Willy” Bill Clinton period!