Yesterday evening, the presidential candidate Jude Célestin, had still not responded to the announcement of the Platform INITE which has decided in a press release, to announce his withdrawal from the second round. According to someone close to the candidate, Jude has not taken part in meetings to determine his fate and was not consulted at the time of the publication of the text adding that Jude is continuing to believe that it is to the Electoral Council Provisional to decide of his fate. A source close to INITE recognizes that there are many disagreements within the platform on this decision where members undergo significant pressure...

The candidate Jean Henry Céant (Renmen Ayiti), recalled that the decision of the INITE platform, of the withdrawal of their candidate Célestin Jude from the second round has no legal value. He stressed that under the electoral law, "only the candidate has the authority to withdraw his candidature by deed." Adding that even if Jude Célestin was withdrawing his candidacy, it would be because of pressure from the international community and this is not what "would be best for the country"...

For Mirlande Manigat (Rassemblement des Démocrates Nationaux Progressistes) winner of the first round, the games are done, she totally ignores the position of the main interested... She congratulate the candidate Célestin for the decision taken by its platform, which, she says, will help to unblock the situation. In any case, "now I know that my competitor in the second round will be Michel Martelly (Repon Peyizan)."

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, Special Representative for Haiti to CARICOM said that the international community should allow the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to rule on the disputed first round in full independence...

In the United States, the Diaspora, welcomed (generally) positively, the official announcement of the Platform INITE. Many have described this gesture from the executive of the Platform INITE of "courageous and patriotic action" while others deplore the forced withdrawal under pressure from the international community.

After the publication of the position of the platform INITE the situation remains confused a confusion fueled by rumors and silence of the candidate Jude Célestin. The Provisional Electoral Council has so far received no formal request from the candidate, for his possible withdrawal from the second round. For the CEP, Jude Célestin remains the candidate for the second round of the presidential elections.

Article By S/ HaitiLibre