Secretary-General Deeply Concerned by Failure to Hold Elections on Time in Haiti, Urging Prompt Return of Constitutional Order

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

The Secretary-General notes with deep concern that the agreed-upon date of 24 April set in the 5 February Agreement for the holding of elections in Haiti has not been met and that no alternate electoral calendar has been announced.

The Secretary-General reiterates his strong support for the completion, without further delay, of the 2015 elections and calls on all Haitian actors to ensure the prompt return to constitutional order, as the country can ill afford a period of prolonged transitional governance while facing major socioeconomic and humanitarian challenges.

The Secretary-General notes the intended establishment of a commission to evaluate and verify the elections held in 2015.  He stresses the need to conclude the process with the required urgency.

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.