To a few days before the elections the US Embassy in Haiti issued a statement to the attention of Haitians, encouraging them to participate peacefully and fully in the electoral process.

Text of the American Declaration :

"On October 25 Haitians will go to the polls to vote for their next president, parliament, and municipal mayors. The responsibility for these elections lies in the hands of the Haitian people.

We believe this is an opportunity for Haitians to have a renewed voice in their governance. We encourage all actors to participate peacefully and fully in the electoral process, abide by the rule of law, and pledge to a high standard of transparency.

As U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made clear in his recent visit to Port-au-Prince https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-15375-haiti-politic-michel-martelly-and-john-kerry-broadly-converging-views.html , electoral intimidation and violence are unacceptable. Those who organize, finance, or participate in electoral intimidation and violence should be held to account in accordance with Haitian law. The United States is taking note of parties involved in electoral violence.

The United States stands with the international community in supporting the Haitian National Police's electoral security plan in coordination with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

Credible and peaceful elections that put in place a full and legitimate government will benefit the Haitian people and build a stronger, more sustainable democratic process."

HL/ HaitiLibre