The day has come: the first results of the presidential election in Haiti will be announced.
Some of us had so much “HOPE” about these elections. We always thought that after all the problems and disasters that hit Haiti these last months, the people in charge would be more conscious of our needs and what would work best for Haiti.
But once again – if the elections on Nov 28 serve as any indication – we are to be disappointed. Once again they pulled Haiti back on the road of uncertainty. While this might seem predictable, the majority of Haitians really want change and are ready to work for it. These elections were a big chance for us to prove that we are still a proud people. It was our chance to prove that we have learned from the past and that we don’t want to restart doing the same mistakes. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the same cycle of selfishness, greed and lack of consciousness, which perpetuates the same old power struggle.
Today, December 7th, the CEP (Election council) will publish the results. The tension is very high in Port-au-Prince. The stress and fear of violence is increasing. The intimidation has started with gunshots last night and tires burning in Port-au-Prince. Regardless of the result, we will never find the peace that my young friends and I were expecting. I am trying not to be pessimistic, but it’s a fact. I am trying not to be angry, but my anger is overloaded. My shame of what they are making of the country is terrible. I hoped that this election would support my peace of mind and that I would start really thinking about a bright future for my kids. What I forgot was that the problem isn’t solvable by the elections – the problem is Haitians themselves. Our mentality is the thing to change. We don’t need any election for that. We don’t need any money for that. No international observers or advisers are going to change our mentality for the better.
Now what is going to happen? Today the CEP will publish the results of the last “Masquerade,” and then we’ll move deeper into the crisis. A lot of my friends are cursing on 2010, saying that this year carries very bad luck for Haiti; earthquake, Hurricane, Cholera and they add the “Masquerade” they call election. But, if it hadn’t been for all those problems, all those disasters and emergency situations, would things be better now? I DON ‘T THINK SO! In this exceptional time, we are still fighting each other for power instead of fighting for the best of Haiti – what does that say about our mentality?
The future of Haiti is uncertain. It is truly dark. I implore everyone not to forget Haiti in their thoughts and prayers, but I hope it will go beyond that and into activity – not money, but activity. Focus on efforts of education and health, and drive your support and enthusiasm with whatever resources you have.
My fight for the best of Haiti will never stop, and I hope your interest in its improvement is also enduring. I’ll be 30 years old in two weeks and I don’t want my kids to spend another 30 years in that situation. It’s my duty to fight and prepare a brighter future for them. As you can see, i didn’t take the time to remind you of the actual situation here. Because i am pretty sure that the main words that will come to your mouth is: “HAITI AGAIN!” My young friends and I, organizations like C2C and those focused on educational opportunities are working to make sure that the next big time you’ll pronounce an interjection about Haiti it will be happily: “HAITI FINALLY!”
