Welcoming Peaceful Elections in Haiti, Secretary-General Calls on All Parties to Reject Violence, Place National Interests at Forefront

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the holding of elections in Haiti on 20 November.  He salutes the people of Haiti for having peacefully expressed their democratic right to vote.  He commends the Haitian institutions, in particular the Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police, for their leadership and professionalism during and in the lead up to the polls.  He also welcomes the role of Haitian institutions in ensuring an environment conducive to the holding of these elections.

The Secretary-General stresses that this electoral process is crucial to ending the current governance vacuum in Haiti.  He urges all parties involved, in particular presidential candidates and political party leaders, to show the utmost statesmanship at this critical time for the country.  He calls on them to reject and discourage all forms of violence and intimidation and place the national interest above any other consideration.  He urges all actors to await the results proclaimed by the Provisional Electoral Council and only use legal channels for any eventual challenges.

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.