Candidate ruled out of presidential elections

REPORTS circulated in Haiti’s capital last night that Government- backed presidential candidate Jude Celestin had been ruled out of the secondary round of the elections.

A report by the Organisation of American States is understood to have concluded that the former civil servant did not reach the quota needed, which leaves the race open between former first lady Mirlande Manigat and carnival singer Michel Martelly.

According to reports, election monitors have recommended Celestin should be removed in the ballot in the upcoming second vote because of “evidence of improper balloting”.