Military

18 June 2004 – A United Nations electoral team has wrapped up a visit to Haiti, where it held 10 days of wide-ranging talks on the logistical, technical and administrative support the UN can provide to the Transitional Government in organizing free and fair elections next year.

The mission led by Nguyen Dong of the UN Electoral Assistance Division, in close coordination with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held consultations with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Haitian authorities, the diplomatic community in Haiti as well as representatives of political parties, religious leaders and civil society.

Mr. Nguyen said discussions revolved mainly around the conduct of elections, particularly on the modalities of the technical assistance the international community could provide. They also touched on the functioning and professionalization of the CEP as the institution in charge of the electoral process as well as on the Council's key priorities such as the electoral registry, voting procedures and budgetary estimates, he added.

"All interlocutors unanimously emphasized the need to hold presidential elections in accordance with the constitutional timeline," Mr. Nguyen said. "The United Nations role will consist of providing technical assistance and in coordinating the bilateral assistance so as to ensure an effective and streamlined electoral process."