The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has raised concerns about voter registration and security in Haiti as preparations continue for the first round of elections scheduled for December 13.
The group visited Haiti from September 2 to 9 and held talks with political parties, civil society groups, representatives of the business community, youth, women’s and human rights organisations, state institutions and the leadership of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
In a statement, which was published on CARICOM’s Facebook page, the EPG said the visit allowed it to assess the political situation and the preparations for Haiti’s first elections in more than a decade.
It noted as a positive development the work being undertaken to restart the electoral process, with political parties preparing to contest the polls and forming alliances.
However, stakeholders complained that some requirements under the amended Electoral Decree were cumbersome and onerous. Particular concern was raised over the number of documents candidates must submit to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the slow registration of voters.
The group was told that registration was not progressing as expected, partly because sections of the country remain outside the control of the state. Stakeholders called for more registration centres and a wider public education campaign.
Some political parties also called for changes to the procedures and requirements, which they said could necessitate postponing the December 13 elections.
Despite those concerns, the EPG said stakeholders expressed a desire for fair, credible, impartial and inclusive elections to end the successive transitional arrangements that have marked Haiti’s prolonged crisis.
Security remains a major concern, with the group noting a recent increase in deadly violence and kidnappings as well as difficulties slowing the deployment of the GSF.
Stakeholders stressed that a secure environment is necessary for the countrywide registration of voters, political campaigning, freedom of movement and the safe casting of ballots.
The EPG said the deployment of additional forces and resources pledged by several countries, together with effective coordination between those forces and Haiti’s security services, would be critical.
Describing Haiti as being at a critical juncture, the group called on international partners to urgently fulfil security commitments made under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793.
The EPG comprises former prime ministers Dr Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica and Perry Christie of The Bahamas.
Discussion