Despite the harsh conditions this Caribbean nation has faced since the terrible earthquake that devastated the country on January 12, 2010, Haiti has started an election process to select a new government and a new parliament. The Club de Madrid supports the conclusion of this process, as a democratically legitimate leadership is a prerequisite for continuing a rebuilding process that is sustainable over time, alleviates the suffering of citizens and ensures political and economic stability in the country.

However, Haiti with the advancement of the reconstruction is facing difficult situations in regards to the socio-political reality of the country. More than a year after the earthquake, only 5% of the debris has been removed. In addition to the physical devastation caused by the earthquake, there has been a cholera epidemic and complications during the electoral process. The first round of elections held on November 28, 2010, was marked by uncertainty, political violence and accusations of electoral fraud. The proclamation by the Provisional Electoral Council about the final results of the first round and a call for a second round on March 20th, permits the renewal of the electoral process and a continuation on the path towards institutional strengthening of the country, which is necessary for the advancement of the reconstruction process.

Only the agreement between the different parties will allow the convergence of determination and effort of the political, social and economic leaders of Haiti and the Haitians with the international community, in order to give the process of rebuilding momentum that it requires and that is demanded by the citizens of Haiti. The political divisions that have emerged from the electoral impasse must give way to democratic consensus of a common project of reconstruction.

The mission of the Club de Madrid will focus on promoting civic dialogue, guided by the collective will to restore and strengthen the necessary institutions for the physical, economic and political reconstruction of the country. The delegation will support the elements of stability that permit the conclusion of the electoral process and continuation of the reconstruction.

The members of the Club de Madrid, Felipe González, Prime Minister of Spain (1982-1996) and Lionel Jospin, Prime Minister of France (1997-2002), will lead this mission in Port au Prince, accompanied by Carlos Westendorp, Secretary General Club de Madrid, and Juan Gabriel Valdés, an international expert, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile (1999-2000) and former director of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

February 14th the Club de Madrid delegation will hold meetings with President Préval, Prime Minister Bellerive, with the two candidates selected for the second round, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly, with opposition leaders and with various representatives of international organizations and civil society.

February 15th, the Club de Madrid will also contribute to the working meeting convened by PM Bellerive on Institutional Reform, Capacity-building and Education, key sectors in the reconstruction efforts as identified in the Strategy for the Remainder of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC).

Club de Madrid supports and collaborates with the Haitian authorities, political leaders, civil society and the international community to strengthen Haitian institutions, the only way to guarantee the rebuilding of the country, its sustainability and its future development. For the Club de Madrid, the key is to work with Haitians, not just for Haitians.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1165-haiti-reconstruction-mission-led-by-lionel-jospin-sunday-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1206-haiti-elections-lionel-jospin-completes-its-mission.html

HL/ HaitiLibre