Sandra honoré, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the other members of the international community in Haiti represented in the "Core Group" (the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, United States of America, the European Union and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States) congratulate the people of Haiti for the generally peaceful climate of the first-round Presidential and partial Senatorial elections as well as re-runs for legislative and municipal seats.

Acknowledging the concerted efforts of the national authorities to organize the November 20 vote, held less than seven weeks after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Matthew, the "Core Group" commends all actors, most notably the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the Government, the Haitian National Police as well as candidates, political parties and civil society for their respective contributions in this regard.

This is a critical moment for Haiti. The "Core Group" urges all national actors to continue to be guided by their responsibility to reject violence, thereby ensuring that a climate of serenity is preserved. The "Core Group" further calls on all concerned to respect the authority of the CEP to proclaim the electoral results and to resolve any dispute that may arise through existing legal procedures, in keeping with the Electoral Decree.

The "Core Group" will continue to support the people of Haiti to build upon this first round of elections for a successful conclusion of the electoral process.

HL/ HaitiLibre