The Caribbean Media Corporation reported that the demonstrators blocked roads and filled streets with garbage in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday 1 ^st January before police dispersed them.

In the northern coastal city of Gonaives, Preval urged national unity and patience in a speech interrupted by protesters who demanded that the President step down.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has asked Preval to delay announcing election results until an international panel of experts can review the vote in an election marred by violence, fraud and low turnout.

There were riots in the country after the 28 ^th November elections. The first round of voting resulted in ruling-party candidate Jude Celestin eliminating carnival singer Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly by less than one percent. Former first lady Mirlande Manigat came in first.

Haiti obtained its independence from France on January 1, 1804.