DESPITE INDICATIONS of administrative deficiencies, Haitians have managed to exercise their democratic rights in electing a government. We congratulate the Haitian people on their strength and their resolve to overcome the difficulties and to make a fundamental statement about how they see their future.
Mr René Préval, the president-elect, faces an immediate domestic challenge from the composition of the legislature. He will need on his side lawmakers who will be bold enough to implement the economic and social changes that he has promised for his reformed Haiti, the details of which he has promised to give in a few days.
However, with his Lespwa party having contested only two-thirds of the congressional and senate seats (many of which may have to be decided by runoff votes) Mr. Préval may need to recruit support from legislators who are opposed to him.
It is encouraging that the incoming president's first move has been to seek support - and consensus for the policies he intends to announce - from among some of the less successful contenders in the presidential race. In keeping with the erratic nature of Haitian politics, we are not surprised at the inconstancy of Leslie Manigat, a leading contender, who first agreed with the Electoral Council that Mr Préval should be made president, but who soon after attacked the move.
Similarly, we dismiss the claims by Charles Henri Baker, a losing contender who represents the powerful monied elite, that Mr Préval won by fraud. We support the decision of the Electoral Council to resolve the situation through a most responsible solution.
It appears that the new president will have significant regional and international support. We are encouraged that the Caribbean Community will reconsider Haiti's readmission to the group. CARICOM had taken what we consider to be the principled position that a democratically elected government was the condition for ending Haiti's suspension.
It is also encouraging to the long-suffering people of Haiti that the international community has welcomed the result of the presidential election. Despite the prevarication by administrations such as the United States that have lingering concerns about the ideological position of a government led by Mr Préval, it is instructive that it is Brazil that has taken the early lead in organising international assistance for Haiti.
Haitians deserve a new lease on life. The elections should provide a break with the past. We hope that Haitians, and all who wish them well, will make the most of the opportunity.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
