Haitian violence grows despite recount

Violent protests filled the streets ofPort-au-Prince ThursdayasHaiti's electoral council said ballots in the country's disputed presidential election will be recounted.

Supporters of the government-backed candidate Jude Clestin clashed with supporters of Michel Martelly, a popular musician also known as Sweet Micky, whowas eliminated in the presidential race.

Protesters upset with the election resultspiled up barricades made from earthquake rubble and set fires.

Council president Gaillot Dorsainvil said Thursday the recount will be done in the presence of Haitian and international observers.

"Given the evident dissatisfaction of many voters, protests and violence that followed the publication of preliminary results," the council has decided to start a recount immediately, Dorsainvilsaid.

The announcement came after widespread protests rocked the country following the initial release Tuesday of the results, when the provisional electoral council said none of the presidential candidates had won an outright majority in the first round of voting.

Manigat, a professor and wife of a former president, claimed 31 per cent of the votes, followed by Clestin, with 22 per cent, officials said. Martelly came in just behind Clestin with slightly more than 21 per cent.

Those results meant that Manigat and Clestin would go to a run-off vote slated for Jan. 16.

The election was marred by reports of fraud and blatant ballot-box stuffing, and many of the 19 presidential candidates had called for the vote to be cancelled.

A day earlier, protesterslit fires, set up barricades and clashed with UN peacekeepers. Protesters inPort-au-Prince set fire to the headquarters of the ruling Unity Party, the centre ofClestin's campaign.

Embassy closure

Because ofthe violence, the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince is closed, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said.

"Due to riots and protests that have been sparked by the announcement of the results of the first round of presidential elections, the embassy of Canada in Haiti is closed until further notice," a department spokesperson told CBC News.

The department saidnumerous roadblocks and burning barricadesin the area of the embassy made it impossible for Canadian and local staff to get to and from work safely.

The spokesperson said most embassies in the capital are closed or working with reduced staff because of the violent protests.

Despite the closure, the embassy can still becontacted atprnce@international.gc.ca. Canadians who needurgent assistance are being told to call 613-996-8885.