Presenting the Secretary-General’s report on the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Sandra Honoré reported that the country had made “measurable gains towards the holding of long-overdue elections” by the end of 2015, despite the lingering “uncertainty” caused by the absence of a functioning Parliament.
The first-round vote has been scheduled for 9 August, setting the stage for legislative, presidential and local elections to be held this year.
“The prerequisites for the holding of elections this year have been established,” Honoré said, admitting that although some political parties had voiced discontent over the political calendar, most had signalled their intent to take part in the elections.
She said, “I call on all political actors to continue a genuine dialogue and a transparent and consultative approach that contributes to building confidence among all stakeholders.”
As part of the UN’s wider efforts to assist the beleaguered country recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake, the Organization and Haiti’s international partners are working with the Haitian Electoral Council to organise fair, inclusive and transparent elections that will bring out the installation of the country’s 50th Legislature in January 2016 and a handover of power to a newly elected President in February 2016.
The UN mission is mandated by the Security Council to provide logistical support and technical expertise to assist Haiti’s Government to continue building the capacity of its rule of law institutions at the national and local level.
Honoré, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of MINUSTAH, observed that the country’s security situation had remained “relatively stable” during the reporting period despite a recent increase in certain crimes, gang-related violence and public unrest.