Because the constitution does not allow consecutive terms in office, Aristide stepped down in 1996, making way for Haiti's first democratic hand over of power in its 200-year history. His campaign promises this time around include a far-fetched pledge to create half a million jobs in Haiti, where only one in three workers is employed and most people are preoccupied with the daily struggle to find food. Too much misery, too much insecurity, too much bloodshed. Enough is enough. Since the nine pipe bombings Wednesday and Thursday, schools have stayed closed.
Shops remain shuttered, and the capital's usually bustling streets are quiet.
Opposition leaders claimed they were orchestrated by the government of President Rene Preval, Aristide's hand-picked successor, to provide an excuse for low voter turnout. All the major opposition parties were boycotting the vote, charging that this year's legislative elections were rigged to favor Aristide's candidates and that Haiti is sliding back into dictatorship. Aristide is running against six unknowns who, fearful of attacks, have not campaigned. Nine senators also were to be elected, and Aristide's Lavalas Family party was expected to make a clean sweep. In May, it won 17 of the remaining 18 Senate seats and 80 percent of the lower house.