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As presidential candidate Mirlande Manigat visits a women's hospital for International Women's Day, supporters of rival candidate Michel Martelly scuffle with security. The Presidential run-off takes place in November.
On International Women's Day, Haiti presidential candidate Manigat visits a women's hospital on Tuesday. But a clash between supporters of rival presidential candidate Michel Martelly broke out.
The day began with the 71-year-old Manigat, a former First Lady of Haiti, touring the clinic, chatting with expectant and new mothers.
She hands out presents to them and stresses the importance of motherhood.
[Mirlande Manigat, Presidential Candidate]:
"Today is March 8, International Women's Day. What symbolizes being a women most is being a mother. I came to visit the women of this hospital, those who gave birth and those who are going to give birth."
However, the event turned tense as Manigat left the hospital.
A crowd of Martelly supporters appeared, waving campaign posters and shouting in favour of Martelly and against Manigat.
Manigat's security team hurried her away from the scene and one of her guards drew his gun.
A shot was fired, but it’s unclear who it was.
Martelly supporters claim Manigat's group were violent.
[Unidentified Martelly Supporter]:
"The security team of Mrs. Manigat hit me and my friends and they also shot at us. They don't have any right to hit us. They are cowards."
Manigat and Martelly are set to face off in a March 20 presidential run-off, following a turbulent first round election in November.