Rene Preval Supporters take over Hotel Montana in Petion-Ville

Already deeply stung by the ousting of President Aristide, the demonstrators mobilized after the CEP released figures that made a run-off necessary, though the early count had shown Rene Préval with a lead clearly over the needed 50%. Claims of vote-rigging, incomplete or inaccurate voter lists, sudden relocations of polling stations, discarding of uncounted ballots and direct accusations against the CEP President of tampering abounded. Further fueling the ire of the protestors, communities traditionally for Préval saw an average 3-4 hours of delays in opening; a striking contrast to the noticeably smoother running of stations in areas supporting Préval's contenders. In those areas there were significantly fewer complaints, leading to the assumption that the difficulties experienced by Préval's demographic were artificially and intentionally created. Announcements of sudden changes were made at the last minute and were sometimes contrary to the actual situations met with by voters.

The Hotel Montana siege was met with alarm by the guests, who reportedly pay more for their stay of a few nights than some Haitians make in a year. U.N. guards and local authorities could do nothing as the masses took over the hotel, making it their demonstration headquarters and even starting an impromptu pool party.

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Read more: demonstration, cep, run-off election, vote, fraud, Petion-Ville, Hotel, Election Fraud, Hotel Montana, Supporter, Travel and Tourism

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