The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster

The election approaches, and René Préval has the unique distinction of being the first Haitian president not to die in office—either by assassination, suicide, or natural causes—not to be ousted by the military, nor to be propped up during the U.S. occupation (1915-1934). He is also the first president to be democratically elected and oversee a peaceful transition of power. As the election nears, however, Préval remains secluded as increasing international apathy and unfulfilled pledges stall post-quake recovery. The Unity Party candidate, Jude Celestin, is the front runner.

Katz's editors show little interest in the election. As a compromise, he composes a feature story on presidential candidate and kompa artist Michel Martelly. Martelly's message of change is in stark contrast to the Unity Party's theme of "stability." In the aftermath of post-quake chaos and a deadly cholera outbreak, ensuring a smooth election seems nearly impossible. Postponing the election, however, is not an option. Foreign governments, who see a timely election as a sign of a nascent democracy, insist it be held on time. However, Katz argues that the term "Democracy" is too often bandied about as an expedient catchphrase without understanding how to apply it directly to Haiti.