Security Council Press Statement on Haiti Elections

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Samantha Power (United States):

The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of holding peaceful and credible elections as a critical element of Haiti’s ongoing development, and trust that, with the support of the international community, the Haitian people will build upon the first two rounds of Haitian elections on 9 August and 25 October, and be able to bring the electoral process to a successful conclusion in the upcoming final round.

The members of the Security Council expressed their strong commitment to supporting free and fair elections and called on all political forces to work through the electoral process to ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the election.

The members of the Security Council called on all candidates, political parties, and political actors to publicly commit to the electoral process and timely Government formation in accordance with the constitutional timeframe, including the inauguration of a new president by 7 February 2016.

The members of the Security Council acknowledged the steps taken by Haitian institutions to take corrective measures to address irregularities and improve the upcoming round of elections, and encouraged continuing attention to transparency.

The members of the Security Council took note of the creation of a Commission of Evaluation in Haiti and expressed support for initiatives to increase the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

The members of the Security Council called upon all candidates, their supporters, political parties and other political actors to remain calm, refrain from violence or other provocations and resolve any electoral disputes through established legal mechanisms and to preserve the stability achieved in recent years with the support of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

The members of the Security Council called upon the Haitian authorities to ensure a calm and peaceful environment, and urged MINUSTAH to continue to extend its critical support in this regard.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the continued efforts of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies and United Nations Member States in supporting Haiti’s critical needs.

The members of the Security Council will continue to follow the situation on the ground in Haiti.