The candidate Mirlande Manigat, aged 70, spoke to reporters yesterday, on the ground of the Hotel Montana. According to the candidate, this second round of elections, represents an exceptional experience in the political life of Haiti "This second round is historic, first, this is the first time that a presidential election takes place in two rounds and he confronts two people who are totally different" Referring to his opponent she added with pride "Him, he knows how to sing, I do not sing, but I know make many things that he can not do, that he has not done or that he has not yet made"

Several times during this conference, the candidate emphasized on her differences with his opponent "We are not similar in lifestyle, career, We are not similar in our past and our reputation [...] and certainly not his program of government" adding that the differences in vision and direction are significant. A curious statement, while the candidate, during that same press conference has mentioned, that she is still waiting to read the program of his opponent...

Mirlande Manigat stated that its priorities were the fight against the cholera epidemic and the introduction of a policy of distributing of drinking water to the population, the relocation of 400,000 victims and the education. She has not excluded that, depending on the progress of discussions, political leaders would rally to her candidacy, adding that her government will be placed under the sign of "serious".

"...we are in the final stretch, we started the race at 19, we finished the race at 2, but in the final stretch we will accelerate. So I said to the Haitian people that there are many people who until now have doubts that the elections will take place, I'm in the logic that there will be elections. Elections are a necessity. I recognize the rights of political parties who were not involved in the elections, those who participated and challenging. I told the Haitian people, to listen all these people, however think that the country is tired, everyone is tired in the country, not just physical fatigue but there is also a mental fatigue. The country has a lot of problem and as long as there is not a political solution, it means a change of government these problems will not be solved, then I say to the population to think and choose carefully, choose what you want but get ready to participate in elections. Personally I would like to be elected with a real popular mandate..."

Urging the authorities to demonstrate responsibility for the smooth running of the second round, Mirlande Manigat says bet on the vote of the population "to be elected with a real popular legitimacy [...] I imagine the misery for Haiti if I do not win these elections".

Hope that beyond the "denigration, thinly veiled, of his opponent", Mirlande Manigat be able to raise her argumentation in a real debate of ideas with Michel Martelly throughout this campaign, so that all people be able to take the measure of the relevance of the proposals of the candidate face to his opponent.

Article By HL/ HaitiLibre