Image courtesy Reuters.

The elections in Haiti earlier this week have been deemed a gross failure. Not surprising, the elections were marred with voter intimidation, lack of election materials that were to be provided to voters, etc. According to The Economist, 12 of the 17 Presidential candidates cited illegal activity by Haiti's current governing party, Inite. However, one of the candidates that did not protest the election results was Jude Celestine. Backed by Haiti's current President, Preval, Celestine is from the political party Inite. Hmmm...well maybe it's just a coincidence.

Calling all detectives...Where is the Hatian President?

Has anyone wondered about the Haitian President's absence the past few days. I saw him on Saturday but there has been little sightings of him at least consoling earthquake survivors, making statements about strategic plans for rebuilding. His behavior is characterized as strange by many, mainly because of his interview the night after the earthquake. Speaking to Sanjay Gupta at the airport he said, "I can not sleep in the palace, I can not sleep in my own house." He also said that he had plenty of time to find a bed. A bed? Really? So for one night, you can't live like everyone else in your country?
We all understand the emotional toll this must have taken on him, his family, and his staff. However, part of a country recovering is the visibility of and reassurance from its leader that things will improve and that (s)he is one of them. Nothing about his recent actions or his interview with Dr. Gupta say any of those things.