UN chief: Haiti can 'ill afford' prolonged period of transitional governance
Publisher | UN News Service |
Publication Date | 2 June 2016 |
Cite as | UN News Service, UN chief: Haiti can 'ill afford' prolonged period of transitional governance, 2 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/575130d140b.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
2 June 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, taking note of the release of the report on the verification of the electoral process in Haiti, has underlined that Haiti can “ill afford” a prolonged period of transitional governance.
“He is concerned that this situation has the potential to adversely affect international support to Haiti,” a statement issued by the Secretary-General's spokesperson said.
Mr. Ban also reiterated the need for a democratically elected leadership to take on the growing socio-economic and humanitarian challenges the country faces.
In the statement, the Secretary-General recalled the responsibility of the provisional presidency, the Government and the Provisional Electoral Council to identify a way forward that “guarantees the peaceful completion of the 2015 elections,” urging all stakeholders to “ensure a return to constitutional order as an urgent priority.”
Reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the UN to support the democratic aspirations of the Haitian people, Mr. Ban also called on all parties to “contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in the country and actively discourage violence during this challenging period.”
On 14 February, the Haitian National Assembly elected Jocelerme Privert as the island nation's interim President, one week after former President Michel Martelly departed without a successor.
On 25 April, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was deeply concerned that the agreed-upon date for holding elections in Haiti – 24 April – had not been met. That date had been set following an agreement – known as the 5 February Agreement – between Haitian stakeholders to preserve institutional continuity and further the electoral process.