Jovenel Moise sworn in as new president

Jovenel Moise has been sworn in as Haiti’s new president, opening a new chapter in the country’s history after a long-running political crisis. The 48-year-old banana exporter, who has never held political office, took the oath of office on Tuesday in a ceremony in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The handpicked candidate of Haiti’s former president, Michel […]

Jovenel Moise has been sworn in as Haiti’s new president, opening a new chapter in the country’s history after a long-running political crisis.
The 48-year-old banana exporter, who has never held political office, took the oath of office on Tuesday in a ceremony in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The handpicked candidate of Haiti’s former president, Michel Martelly, Moise initially won the first round of voting in October 2015 – but the results were subsequently annulled amid allegations of massive fraud.
The elections were further postponed in October after Hurricane Matthew battered the country, killing hundreds and causing extensive damage.
Moise won a November election redo with 55 percent, vowing to stimulate the economy and create more jobs.
Yet, his critics claimed he did not gain a mandate because only 21 percent of voters went to the polls.
The new president begins his five years in power with an already fragile popularity, since he is at the centre of an unresolved money laundering probe.