Haitian President Martelly defends record as he marks 2 years in office with street party

Haiti's President Michel Martelly is defending his record since taking office of the impoverished Caribbean nation two years ago.

The former pop star points to his introduction of a tuition-free school project and social protection programs. Martelly also says his government has brought tourists back to the one-time tropical getaway.

Martelly was an entertainer known as "Sweet Micky" before he turned to politics. He won in a runoff in an election that was marred with irregularities.

A Tuesday night event marking the second anniversary of Martelly's inauguration has brought thousands of supporters to a plaza in front of where the National Palace stood before it collapsed in the 2010 earthquake.