Presidency

President René Préval of Haiti said Monday that he would stay in office for three more months, extending his term until after a March 20 runoff to choose his successor.
Mr. Préval’s term had been scheduled to end Monday, but an emergency law passed after last’s year’s devastating earthquake allowed him to stay longer because his 2006 inauguration was delayed. His chief of staff, Fritz Longchamp, told The Associated Press that Mr. Préval would leave on May 14, which would most likely be enough time for the next president to take over.
Mr. Préval’s decision was largely expected by Haitians and the international community, in part because it is unclear who would take his place. The Haitian Constitution states that the highest-ranking member of the country’s top court would be second in line, but the court’s presidency is currently vacant.