'Why would I trust this fake election?' Haitians sound off on elections

Observers predict that elections will take place and that René Preval, a former member of Fanmi Lavalas and past president, will win in a landslide. Bay View reporter Lyn Duff was on the ground in Port-au-Prince speaking to ordinary Haitians about whether they plan to vote and why.

Samson, a 62-year-old carpenter: "No one could persuade me to vote in this election. It's a farce. The last time I voted, the person I voted for was removed by a coup. Why would I trust this fake election by the people who did the coup against democracy? No, I will not vote."

Emil, 19, high school student: "I would vote if I could, but I was not able to register to vote. I went to register, but I did not have the papers I needed. If I could vote, I would vote for René Preval because he will make a good change in Haiti."



Wendelly, 31, merchant: "I am tired of politics here. The elections have no meaning for me. No matter who becomes president, things will not change here. When people try to make change, they make a coup against him. I am tired of elections. I have better things to do than vote for someone who will just make my life more miserable in the end."

Wootrood, 22, vocational student: "I plan to vote for Preval. He is the best of the choices. We don't have very good choices. There are many people running for president, but none of them are as good as Aristide. Even when Aristide had problems, he was the best for the Haitian people."

Sarah, 37, merchant: "I support Aristide, and I will not rest until he comes back. I will not vote in these elections. They are a sham election. If I voted, that would support the elections and the coup!"

Markenson, 45, welder: "On the television there is a spot about Marc Bazin that says, 'If you support Aristide, vote for Marc Bazin.' Are they crazy? Do they think we're going to believe this shit? If you support Aristide, don't vote!"

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