April 27, 2006
Haitian Leader's Party Falls Short of Majority in Parliament
President-elect Rene Preval's Lespwa Party failed to win a majority of seats in runoff parliamentary elections, meaning he cannot choose a prime minister and Cabinet.

February 16, 2006
Preval Officially Named Winner of Haitian Presidential Election
Haiti's interim government and electoral council announced Thursday that Rene Preval won last week's presidential election, averting a runoff and potential crisis in the island country.

Two years after embattled president Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled Haiti on Feb. 29, 2004, the people of the Caribbean nation elected his protégé and past president Rene Preval, who urged unity within the country and long-term financial aid from international donors.

When armed rebels launched an uprising Feb. 5, 2004, in the northwestern city of Gonaives that ultimately led to the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, their chosen site had historical significance. It was in that same western port city where Haiti's ex-slaves declared independence from France 200 years ago.

Deposed Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide is no stranger to obstacles and hardships -- his life and political career has been a series of dramatic events.

A Lesson Plan for Teachers on the Haitian Political Crisis: What role should the United States play in foreign governments?