Haiti: Carnival Singer Elected President, Preliminary Results Show

[Frodo]

In case anyone is interested:

Singer Elected Haiti’s President, Official Says

By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
Published: April 4, 2011
 
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – One of Haiti’s most popular entertainers, a provocative Carnival singer previously best-known for disrobing and swearing on stage, has been elected president, a senior Haitian election official said Monday, placing him at the helm of a nation still struggling to recover from last year’s earthquake, a cholera epidemic and chronic poverty.

The singer, Michel Martelly, 50, known as “Sweet Micky” or Tet Kale (bald head), defeated Mirlande Manigat, 70, a college professor and former first lady with establishment credentials whose informal campaign slogan – “Give me my mother” – sought to contrast with Mr. Martelly’s image as the rebellious son trying to shake things up.

The final results, allowing for a period of appeals, are expected April 16. If the results hold up, Mr. Martelly will take office in May, after President René Préval, who could not seek another term under the constitution, steps down.