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Security Council lauds Haitian elections as step towards restoring democracy

9 February 2006 – The United Nations Security Council today congratulated the people of Haiti on holding the first round of national elections on Tuesday, calling it a fundamental step towards the restoration of democracy and stability in that Caribbean country.

In a statement read out by the Council President for February, Ambassador John Bolton of the United States, the 15-member body called on all parties to respect the outcome of the elections, remain engaged in the political process and renounce all forms of violence.

Emphasizing that the electoral process should lead to the inauguration of a representative Government, which should promote national reconciliation and political dialogue, the Council noted the importance of elections as pillars of democratic governance in Haiti.

It stressed, however, that elections are not the only means to address the country’s longer-term problems. Significant challenges remain in such fields as the rule of law, security and development, the Council said. Tackling these challenges would require the long-term engagement of the international community.

Earlier today, in closed session, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hédi Annabi updated the Council on the results so far as vote-counting continued.

According to a report from MINUSTAH, about 15 per cent of the tally sheets arrived at the tabulation centre in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. About 90 per cent of the tallies in other parts of the country arrived at local tabulation offices and would be collected and brought to the capital.

The Provisional Electoral Council said preliminary results would be available tomorrow night or Saturday morning.

According to Haiti’s electoral calendar, the second round of elections will be held on 19 March, the new President sworn in on 29 March and municipal and local elections will be held on 30 April.

Meanwhile, the Council is considering Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s report on MINUSTAH, which proposes a six-month extension of its present mandate while a new administration takes over.

The report covers the major developments that have taken place since the previous report was submitted last October and outlines additional tasks that MINUSTAH might shoulder in the post-electoral period, noting, however, that the task of rebuilding lies in the hands of the Haitian authorities and people.