Haiti (MNN) — Preliminary results of Haiti's drawn out election suggest that Michel Martelly has won the race for presidency.
No official announcements have been made about the presidency, however, notes Eva DeHart with For Haiti With Love. The final results will not be posted until April 16.
Nonetheless, the country has joined in uproarious celebration since Monday when rumors began spreading that Martelly had defeated opponent Mirlande Manigat.
"Yesterday, Cap Haitien was having their parties and celebrating," says DeHart. "Their interpretation was that Martelly got it, and they're happy about it. And, they're already partying."
So far, people appear to be celebrating all across Haiti–a dramatic shift from the projected violence that will take place if Manigat ends up the victor. Many have threatened extreme rioting if Manigat beats out Martelly. DeHart says despite the rumors that Martelly has won, shops and windows remain boarded up for fear that violence will erupt. According to DeHart, not a single machete can be found in Haitian shops; they have all been purchased.
"Let's just hope they stay in their joyful, thankful mood," says DeHart of the Haitian people. So far, things have been peaceful.
"Pray that the peace in the country holds together and that they get a feel of unity as a country. That would almost make them the exception to the world right now. And since they're normally an exception the other direction, I think maybe they could lead the rest of the world as far as showing how well things could go when they're peaceful and working together, and acknowledging God's power in their country," comments DeHart.
In the meantime, what does a Martelly victory mean for For Haiti? If former carnival singer "Sweet Micky" is, in fact, the new leader for the ravaged country, DeHart says ministry shouldn't be affected much.
"In all of his [Martelly's] political rhetoric, he leans toward wanting programs that force the Haitian people to help themselves and get away from total reliance. And we have always focused on programs that help people help themselves," explains DeHart.
However, other factors are endangering the ministry of For Haiti With Love. Because so many other disasters and concerns have been brought up worldwide, giving is extremely low for Haiti as of late.
For Haiti With Love has the opportunity to buy much-needed burn cream for their burn clinic at 25 percent off right now (just $1.68 per tube), and to send a crate of food. $4,500 is needed for the latter to be delivered. Funds are low enough that it's "reaching the point of desperate," says DeHart. The election results won't matter if Haiti's citizens don't survive through it.
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