After a first-round vote fraught with controversy, Haiti's electoral commission has removed the ruling-party candidate from the March 20 runoff. Meanwhile, the return from exile of two past presidents muddies Haiti's political landscape.

Recovery efforts have been sluggish and a runoff election may see delays that could further undermine progress. But some observers note that goals set for rebuilding after last year's earthquake were overly ambitious.

As natural disasters impact crop yields and global food prices continue to rise, experts worry that food scarcity will continue to haunt Latin America’s poor and vulnerable in 2011.

With 0.7 percent of the vote separating who will compete in the January runoff, Haitians are demanding justice.

Protests broke out in Haiti after election results showed President Réne Préval’s protégé Jude Célestin edging out Michel Martelly to face first-place-finisher Mirlande Manigat in the January runoff.

Tainted by fraud allegations, Haiti's November 28 election was rejected by a majority of the presidential candidates. But, with results slated for December 7, the UN cautioned Haiti's political parties and voters to wait for the official outcome.

AS/COA looks ahead to Haiti's November 28 presidential election, marked by concerns over cholera. Learn more and get a breakdown of the presidential candidates.