Aristide Speaks Out on Fanmi Lavalas' Exclusion from

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000996 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR AID HA SUBJECT: Aristide Speaks Out on Fanmi Lavalas' Exclusion from Elections REF: PORT-AU-PRINCE 972; PORT-AU-PRINCE 994 ¶1. (U) Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide unexpectedly intervened on the radio on November 25 in response to the exclusion of Fanmi Lavalas by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). ¶2. (U) Answering questions in Creole from the Solidarite Radio reporter, Aristide dispelled doubts about the authenticity of the letter he sent to the CEP designating Maryse Narcisse as his legal representative in Haiti. "I signed the letter, if that's what they want to hear." He specifically pointed out that the CEP's decision was a mistake, and that it should not be tolerated. ¶3. (U) While Aristide remained calm and composed throughout the interview, he criticized President Preval and his majority Lespwa party for not having done anything for Haiti's development: "Lespwa did nothing, it has not delivered." He described Preval's new Unite party as a continuation of Lespwa's failed efforts. He reinforced that Fanmi Lavalas remained independent from Preval. ¶4. (U) Aristide iterated on several occasions that he and Fanmi Lavalas could not stand to watch an "electoral coup" happen again, "as was done in the April 2009 Senatorial elections." "While there is no question of threatening," he said "it would be wise for the government to revisit its decision to exclude Fanmi Lavalas." He did, however, imply that if the problem of exclusion is not rectified, unrest is likely to occur. ¶5. (SBU) Comment. Aristide's intervention will not go unnoticed, for someone who had not addressed the nation since his departure in 2004, except for annual new year wishes. Embassy local staff listened to his broadcast attentively and with some concern. While Aristide's tone remained unaggressive, his public criticism of Preval should not be taken lightly, as he sent a strong message not to exclude Fanmi Lavalas. While the party may have lost popular support, Aristide remains very influential. In addition, the timing of this statement is unfortunate because it will appear that the CEP's decision to give FL another chance to register (reftel B) was in response to Aristide's demand rather than in response to international donors' request. Post will report any further developments. MERTEN