Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide is expected to land in Haiti today after seven years in exile. On Thursday, Aristide and his family left South Africa, where he has taken refuge since being overthrown in a U.S.-backed coup in 2004. Shortly before his departure, Aristide thanked his South African hosts.

Jean-Bertrand Aristide: “One part feels very sad to leave our beloved friends, but on the other hand, our soul is resting because we are going back home after a period of seven years. Also, there in Haiti, they are very happy, and they are waiting for us. They wanted us to return home much faster. This has been their dream and their wish, and this will soon come true.”

Aristide’s return comes two days before Haiti is to hold a presidential runoff vote. He is widely considered to remain Haiti’s most popular politician. A Haitian resident said the country is excited to have Aristide back.

Resident: “Tomorrow will be the most important day in my entire life. President Aristide has been in exile for seven years, and tomorrow he will return home. As a journalist, I am sure that you have witnessed everything. If Aristide had been here, things would have been different. Today, the people would not be living in these inhuman conditions, in and under tents for over a year and some months; nothing has ever been done.”

Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman has been documenting Aristide’s return to Haiti. You can follow her breaking news reports on our live blog.