David Wimhurst
David Wimhurst
choice convinced elections held incidents quite schedule
We're quite convinced the elections will be held on schedule and will unfold, we hope, with no incidents so that everyone can make their choice democratically and freely.
elections expect large last minute soldiers until usual
You'll see more patrols, more soldiers out than usual from now and until elections. All the last minute arrangements are in place. We expect a large turnout.
carry donkeys election fleet materials mules
We've mobilized our fleet of donkeys and mules and they'll trot off and carry the election materials up the mountain.
candidate certain elections fact february happy population relief round
First there is the fact that the first round of elections (on February 7) is finished, and with the election of Mr. Rene Preval I think there is a certain relief in the population happy to see its candidate chosen.
elections expected higher nobody
Nobody expected (voter turnout) to be higher than the first round, and historically there's not a lot of turnout for legislative elections in Haiti.
election people police soldiers sure
People will see a lot of soldiers and a lot of police around to make sure people know the election is going to go smoothly.
accepted bad election entire except generally result welcomed
I don't think it's as bad as it sounds. The election of Mr. Preval has been universally welcomed except for one or two quarters. It's a result that has generally been accepted by the entire international community.
centers council determine electoral job location mission physically selected verify voting
Our mission was to verify that the voting centers the electoral council had selected physically existed. It had never been our job to determine the location of voting centers.
maintain people security thousands
We have all our security people out there to maintain order. When you get thousands of people on the streets, things can get unpredictable.
deeply line victim victims
We are deeply saddened by this, and it's one more victim in a long line of victims this territory's seen.
huge outside people polling thousands waiting
We have tens of thousands of people outside some polling stations, huge numbers. Sometimes they get unruly, but most are waiting patiently.
basis provide soldiers troop voluntary withdraw
Troop contributors do provide soldiers on a voluntary basis and they can withdraw them when they feel it's appropriate.
major performance putting
It's like putting on a major performance without a rehearsal.
actual violence
It's been a very agitated day, but there has been little actual violence.