Wednesday, following the decision of Haiti to hold legislative and municipal elections before the end of the year, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved at a regular meeting, a statement (filed by the Permanent Mission of Haiti) in support of the government of Haiti.

The Council welcomed the will of the executive branch of Haiti and other political stakeholders to hold legislative and municipal elections in 2014 under the terms of the El Rancho Accord. In the declaration, the Council expressed its "solidarity with the Haitian people and their right to take part in periodic, free, and fair elections."

The Council also expressed its support for "the process of national dialogue underway, which contributes to the stability of democratic institutions and the consolidation of the rule of law in Haiti." The declaration also urges all branches of government and stakeholders to continue said process of national dialogue and to implement as a matter of urgency the provisions of the El Rancho Accord.

Full text of the statement :

"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT:

That the organization of periodic, free, and fair elections in Haiti is absolutely necessary for the renewal of the mandates of legislative and municipal authorities;

The signature, by all participating stakeholders, of the El Rancho Accord that emerged from the recent convocation a national dialogue, under the mediation of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, for the formation of an inclusive government; and

That the Organization of American States (OAS), through technical assistance and electoral observation missions, continues to support the strengthening of the democratic and electoral process in Haiti,

DECLARES:

1. Its solidarity with the Haitian people and their right to take part in periodic, free, and fair elections.

2. That it welcomes with satisfaction the express will of the executive branch of Haiti and other political stakeholders to hold legislative and municipal elections in 2014 under the terms of the El Rancho Accord.

3. Its support for the process of national dialogue underway, which contributes to the stability of democratic institutions and the consolidation of the rule of law in Haiti.

4. That it urges all branches of government and stakeholders to continue said process of national dialogue and to implement as a matter of urgency the provisions of the El Rancho Accord.

5. That it will remain seized of the developments in this regard."

The Interim Representative of Haiti, Edmond Bocchit, thanked to OAS General Secretariat and all member states for adopting this declaration. "President Michel Martelly and the Haitian cabinet have supported a process of dialogue in an inclusive and democratic manner to act accordingly. Today’s support of the electoral process is something we value."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11014-haiti-elections-oas-deplores-the-lack-of-concrete-agreements-setting-an-electoral-calendar.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11002-haiti-elections-the-electoral-process-in-haiti-to-the-agenda-of-the-oas.html

HL/ HaitiLibre