Haitian poll a ‘success’

HAITIAN authorities have hailed the runoff presidential election as a success after voters decided whether a popular singer or a former first lady will lead the impoverished country.

There had been fears Sunday’s run-off, delayed for months by bickering over a violence-plagued first round in November, would be overshadowed by the return from exile of charismatic ex-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

But Aristide largely honoured a commitment not to upset the delicate political situation and voting was largely peaceful in the Caribbean nation.