Welcoming Upcoming Elections in Haiti, Secretary-General Says Ballot Constitutes ‘Major Milestone for Democracy’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the upcoming presidential, legislative and local elections in Haiti, which will begin on 9 August with the first round of legislative polls.

These long-awaited elections constitute a major milestone for democracy in Haiti.

The Secretary-General in particular welcomes the increased ownership of the process by the Haitian people.  Credible, inclusive and transparent elections are a key to long-term stability and promotion of a vibrant democracy.

The Secretary-General urges the political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully and to resolve any disputes that may arise through dialogue and established legal procedures.  He invites all Haitians to participate and exercise their democratic right to vote for the renewal of their institutions of governance.

The United Nations stands side by side with the Haitian people and will continue to extend its full support to this important process.