Politics

Haiti Opposition Says Transitional Gov’t May Be Needed

Published

11 years ago

December 1, 2015

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Eight candidates in last month’s disputed presidential vote are demanding changes in Haiti’s electoral council and national police department. And if that doesn’t happen by next month, they are calling for a transitional government to oversee new general elections.

Among those signing late Sunday’s declaration was Jude Celestin, the second-place finisher who is due to face the government-backed candidate, Jovenel Moise, in a Dec. 27 runoff. The ultimatum throws that runoff into question.

The Group of Eight alliance, which includes seven of the top 10 vote-getters in the Oct. 25 first round, said that without “major changes … fair, free and democratic elections” cannot be held while outgoing President Michel Martelly is in power.

The eight said a transitional government would be charged with adopting a new constitution, making various reforms and organizing “credible” general elections within two years. They did not specify how it might be formed.

The eight have been demanding an independent recount due to what they assert was “massive fraud” in favor of Moise. But election authorities say the vote was a success and that fraud allegations have been properly investigated. They also say they lack the authority to appoint an independent panel to verify results.

Pierre-Louis Opont, president of the Provisional Electoral Council, told reporters at a Monday press conference that the next round will take place and the final results of the October vote “are not going to change.”

He suggested the Group of Eight ultimatum was a political strategy and said the council would not get involved.

Moise’s well-financed Tet Kale party campaign has repeatedly denied accusations that it manipulated voting or the ballot count.

The Electoral Council, which oversees the entire election process, said the agricultural entrepreneur chosen by Martelly to be his successor had nearly 33 percent of the vote and compared to 25 percent for Celestin, a former state construction chief who was the government-backed candidate five years ago.

While many Haitians hoped that elections would end years of political gridlock, the official results have instead brought a renewed surge of paralyzing street protests.

The Group of Eight is calling for the protests to continue, saying people should not “cede to blackmail, intimidation and manipulation.”

A recent poll by the independent research group Igarape Institute found deep public suspicion of the October election. A U.S. delegation of election monitors from the National Lawyers Guild and International Association of Democratic Lawyers Delegation said it “fell far short of minimum standards for fair elections.”

But observers from the Organization of American States said the results appeared to be in line with what they saw on election day.

On Monday, officials at the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. State Department’s Office of the Haiti Special Coordinator referred all comment to the Haitian government. The U.S. contributed over $30 million to fund the three-round electoral process in Haiti.

Under Haitian electoral law, if a candidate selected for the runoff withdraws, he would be replaced by the next contender in line. The third-place finisher, former Sen. Moise Jean-Charles, belongs to the opposition alliance. The fourth-place finisher, Maryse Narcisse of the Fanmi Lavalas party founded by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, is not a member of the alliance.

Haiti’s constitution says the country’s prime minister would lead any transitional government as provisional president.

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Florida

Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Willie David

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch

The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Republican Leaders Show Support

Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.

Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.

Building a Statewide Coalition

The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.

As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.

Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.

Florida

The Villages Could Elect Florida’s First Neurosurgeon Dr. Nizam Razack to Congress

Published

11 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Willie David

WINDERMERE, Fla. (FNN) — Republican congressional candidate Dr. Nizam Razack, a nationally recognized neurosurgeon, attorney, educator, and healthcare entrepreneur, shared his vision for Florida’s 11th Congressional District during a networking event hosted by Jackie Siegel at her Windermere home.

Siegel, widely known as the “Queen of Versailles” and the widow of late timeshare Billionaire David Siegel, welcomed community leaders, business professionals, supporters, and guests interested in learning more about Razack’s campaign and priorities.

A Different Kind of Candidate

As voters across The Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, Hernando County, Polk County, and portions of Pasco County prepare for the August 18, 2026 Republican primary, Razack is positioning himself as a candidate whose professional experience differs significantly from that of traditional politicians.

A board-certified neurosurgeon, Razack has spent decades treating patients, leading medical teams, teaching future physicians, practicing law, and building healthcare organizations.

If elected, Razack would join a small number of physicians serving in Congress and could become Florida’s first neurosurgeon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The most prominent American neurosurgeon to enter national politics is Ben Carson. Although he never served in Congress, Carson gained national recognition through his 2016 presidential campaign and later served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet.

Healthcare Expertise at the Forefront

During the gathering, Razack discussed issues affecting residents throughout Central Florida, including healthcare access, Medicare, physician shortages, veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, public safety, and economic opportunity.

“Congress has many career politicians, but very few physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and solving complex problems,” Razack told Florida National News during an interview at the Siegel estate. “As Washington debates healthcare, Medicare, physician shortages, and patient care, it is critical that medical professionals have a seat at the table and help shape policies that impact millions of Americans.”

Razack emphasized that his background in medicine, law, education, and business provides a unique perspective on public policy and government reform.

Appeal to The Villages and Senior Voters

The Villages and surrounding communities represent one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and senior citizens, making healthcare and retirement security among the most important issues for many voters.

Razack’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on protecting Medicare for current beneficiaries, expanding access to physicians and specialists, supporting veterans’ healthcare services, reducing unnecessary healthcare bureaucracy, and promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.

Supporters argue that his experience making life-and-death decisions as a neurosurgeon demonstrates the type of leadership and accountability voters are seeking from elected officials.

From the Operating Room to Congress

Razack told attendees that his campaign is centered on bringing practical problem-solving experience to Washington.

“For decades, I have worked in environments where results matter and failure is not an option,” Razack said. “The challenges facing our nation require leaders who can analyze problems, build consensus, and deliver solutions.”

As the Republican primary campaign begins to take shape, Razack is expected to continue introducing himself to voters throughout Florida’s 11th Congressional District while emphasizing his record of service in medicine, education, law, healthcare leadership, and business development.

Listed below are the candidates currently filed for Florida’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of Daniel Webster, late April 2026.

Republican Candidates

Carey Baker
Chanelle Krisette Barnes
Ivette Palomo
Nizam Razack
Anthony Sabatini
Ryan Lee Smith
Tim Wilkins
Mike Wilnau

Democratic Candidates

Barbara Harden Hall (“Barbie”)
Walter J. Walker
Royal Sylvester Webster II
Dan Williams

Libertarian Candidate

Ralph Groves

The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

Florida

Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run

Published

1 week ago

May 31, 2026

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.

Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.

“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.

13 Years in the Florida Legislature

Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.

His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.

Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid

Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.

The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.

Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.

“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”

Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention

Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.

Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.