Bumpy Road Ahead

Who will win an election in Haiti?  Candidates seem to believe that it will be the one who covers the most square-footage with campaign posters.

After living in Haiti ten years, we are beginning to have a general idea about what to expect.  This fall, the signs are saying,  “Bumpy road ahead.”  In Haiti, elections come with demonstrations, vote rigging, and increased instability.  Haiti is scheduled to have four elections this fall, the first elections since the beginning of 2011.  With every single public office-holder, from the President to the town constable up for election, there are plenty of chances for things to get prickly.  In addition to the stress and difficulty of elections, there is also the light-hearted side.  We appreciate how transparent some Haitian politicians are in their efforts to win votes.  Instead of a political platform and big promises, one candidate simply bases his campaign on his passionate love for the Miami Dolphins (professional football team) and plantains (a starchy banana-like food common in the Caribbean).  Please pray for transparency, peace, and especially security during this fall’s elections.