Haiti to redo both rounds of disputed presidential election

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The electoral council of Haiti will redo a presidential election that a special commission determined was marred by fraud.

Provisional Electoral Council President Leopold Berlanger says a first round vote will be held Oct. 9. If no one secures a majority, it will be followed by a runoff for the top two contenders on Jan. 8.

Last year's first-round featured 54 candidates. Berlanger told reporters yesterday that all 54 can run again but first must confirm their candidacies.

The top finisher last time was Jovenel Moise, from the party of former President Michel Martelly. He was trailed by Jude Celestin, a businessman tied to the president before Martelly's term.

But a widespread perception of fraud led to the cancellation of the second round and appointment of an interim president.