UN Security Council calls for timely elections in Haiti
Xinhua, March 19, 2016 Adjust font size:
After continued suspension of electoral rounds in Haiti, UN Security Council on Friday called for timely elections to allow the Haitian people "the opportunity to vote for their elected representatives in a free, fair, inclusive and transparent contest."
The council noted that the political accord reached on Feb. 5 provides a Haitian-led and owned road map for the swift conclusion of the current electoral cycle, so the council strongly urged all relevant actors in Haiti to adhere to the accord and implement its provisions within the agreed timeline.
The 15-member body also pointed out the increasing number of challenges Haiti faces which can "only be effectively resolved through close coordination between a democratically-elected government and Haiti's international partners."
At the same time, the council commended the Haitian National Police, with support from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), for their efforts to maintain peace and protect the civilian population.
Haiti, with a population of 10 million, held the first round of legislative elections on Aug. 9, 2015, followed by the first round of presidential elections and second round of legislative polls on Oct. 25, 2015.
On Feb. 14, the Haitian National Assembly elected Jocelerme Privert as the island nation's interim president. Privert will serve as interim president for 120 days, with an election scheduled for April 24. Enditem