Former Haiti coup leader wins Senate seat
Guy Philippe, a former coup leader, has won a seat in the Senate according to the preliminary results released for the November 20 presidential and legislative elections Haiti.
Philippe, a former police officer, who is wanted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering, defeated all other candidates in the second round of elections for the south-western Grand Anse region.
In a message posted on his Facebook page, Philippe thanked the voters of Grand Anse for the victory, saying “my fellow compatriots, together we will accomplish and live a patriotic act of faith.”
The DEA has a longstanding arrest warrant against Philippe and lists him as one of its most wanted fugitives, accusing him of conspiracy to import cocaine and launder monetary instruments. He has denied the accusations and said the US has no legal jurisdiction to make arrests in Haiti.
Of the 13 preliminary senate election results announced, three seats were picked up by former president Michel Martelly’s Bald Heads Party (PHTK), while Philippe, who ran for a coalition of parties, campaigned with Jovenel Moise, who was declared the winner of the presidential election.
