World Notes HAITI

Three months ago, Haitians approved a new constitution that calls for democratic elections in November. But last month the military government of Lieut. General Henri Namphy, 54, took control of the electoral process from a provisional council. Although Namphy rescinded the decree last week, his regime's action prompted the worst crisis in Haiti since the ouster of Jean- Claude ("Baby Doc") Duvalier 17 months ago.

Angry Haitians took to the streets, battling the army in violent outbursts that left at least 20 people dead and dozens of others wounded. Namphy, meanwhile, has spent recent weeks drumming up support in the countryside. He told one group of villagers that "the Eternal" had sent him. For Haitians who recalled the claim by Duvalier's father "Papa Doc" that he ruled by divine right, Namphy's pronouncement sounded disturbingly familiar.