The CEP gave no indication it would accept the recommendations, leaving most observers convinced its original pronouncement will most likely stand.

Meanwhile, the pressure on Preval continues to mount.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said on January 20 that Haiti "must have credible elections" if it is to be supported by the U.S. and the international community.

She also told the UN Security Council the U.S. welcomed the OAS' recommendations to Preval.

But the Americans and the other Western powers are also wary about the likelihood that the elections impasse can result in further conflict – as well as the possibility that there could be at least two unexpected players in any new or subsequent poll.

Rice told the UN Security Council the situation in Haiti had been "further complicated" by the return of former dictator and President-for-Life Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier in mid-January.

A similar sentiment was expressed by US State Department spokesman, P.J. Crowley, who said Duvalier's presence "only adds to Haiti's ongoing burden."

Michael Shifter, head of Inter-American Dialogue, also said the ex-dictator's return was "likely to arouse passions across the political spectrum."

Not only do observers point to the possibility of Duvalier contesting a future poll – he was banned from participating in the 2006 poll while in exile – but they also point out that with Duvalier back from exile, former President Jean Bertrand Aristide may also soon return from exile in South Africa.

Preval made that much clear during a surprise visit to neighboring Dominican Republic this past weekend, where he held four hours of talks with President Leonel Fernandez.

After the meeting between the two Presidents, Preval told a brief press conference that Aristide, as a Haitian citizen, had "every right, like Duvalier, to return home".

He explained that Duvalier was being pursued legally by the Haitian state "because it was not possible to directly prosecute him under Haitian law while in exile in France."

Haiti's Caribbean Community (Caricom) neighbors are also very concerned about the possibility of a new election featuring a battle between ex-Presidents Duvalier and Aristide.