Welcoming Next Phase of Haiti’s Election, Secretary-General Urges Political Parties, Supporters to Conclude Campaigns Peacefully

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the next phase of the electoral process in Haiti, which will take place on 25 October with the first round of presidential elections, the second round of legislative elections and the holding of municipal elections.

He reiterates his call to all Haitians to exercise their democratic right to vote.  He commends Haiti's institutions, particularly the Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police, for the steps they have taken to facilitate a peaceful, inclusive and transparent vote on Sunday.

The Secretary-General deplores the violent incidents that occurred in some locations during the first round of legislative elections on 9 August.  He calls on the Haitian authorities to ensure that all perpetrators of electoral violence are brought to justice.

The Secretary-General urges all political parties, candidates and their supporters to conclude their electoral campaigns peacefully, resolve any disputes that may arise through established legal procedures and support the Provisional Electoral Council in the next stage of the process.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to extend its full support to the Haitian people in the fulfilment of their democratic aspirations.