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Joint OAS-CARICOM Electoral Observation Mission Highlights Technical, Organizational and Security Improvements in Haiti Elections

The Joint Electoral Observation Mission (JEOM) in Haiti deployed by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today highlighted that, in terms of efficiency, the second round of the presidential and legislative elections in the Caribbean country “was indeed far superior to the first round from a technical, organizational and security point of view.”

Presenting his report to the OAS Permanent Council, JEOM Chief Colin Granderson stressed that notwithstanding “crises, protests and criticism, and the resulting emphasis on verification, process and rule of law procedure and not political fixes, the Haitian electoral process has emerged technically and institutionally stronger from this challenging and protracted experience.”

Ambassador Granderson added that during the process, “critical steps forward” were achieved “in making the Haitian electoral process of the future more robust, transparent and equitable, and thereby enhancing its credibility and legitimacy.”

The JEOM was present in Haiti beginning August 3, 2010, a period in which the first (November 28, 2010) and second round (March 20, 2011) of elections took place. Its mandate and monitoring responsibilities were completed with the coming into being of a newly elected executive and legislature.

Being a long-term mission present in the 11 electoral departments of Haiti permitted the JEOM to monitor not only the voting itself but also the various preparatory phases leading up to the elections such as voter and candidate registration and campaigning, as well as the post-election phases, in particular the vote counting and complaints process.

The elections resulted in Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly being elected President of the Republic of Haiti, and in the formation of a new Congress in the Caribbean country.

Ambassador Granderson presented a series of recommendations on “key issues that can profoundly impact the quality of Election Day and the accuracy of the results.” He recommended reinforcing the training of electoral agents; instilling a sense of civic service towards the wider community; and for electoral judges to display greater transparency and fairness as well as greater familiarity with the CTV procedures in order for the Electoral Tribunal to fulfill its role in keeping with the Electoral Law.

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza congratulated the MOEC on “the ability and political strength shown at very complex moments; on its wise decisions; on its constant search for solutions in order to look for a satisfactory ending to the elections; and on the excellent result we achieved as an Organization.”

The head of the Hemispheric Organization highlighted “the good collaborative work of OAS-CARICOM” as a good omen for future cooperation, and said that “we are all happy because there is a President legitimately elected by the Haitian people and because there is a Congress that also enjoys legitimacy in exercising its democratic duties.”

The Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Organization, Duly Brutus, thanked the work carried out by the JEOM and reiterated his gratefulness to the international community for the support provided to his Government and country.

Ambassador Brutus also highlighted the importance of the elections because “with them we have achieved the so-called democratic alternation. It is the first time that a Haitian government hands power to the opposition. This strengthens democratic institutions in Haiti, and therefore it is important that we acknowledged with joy these elections in Haiti.”

During the session, representatives of the following countries also took the floor: Panama, United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Guyana (on behalf of CARICOM). They all highlighted the good work carried out by the JEOM, welcomed the democratic transition in Haiti through elections, and expressed their best wishes for the Caribbean country’s future.

At the same session, the Permanent Council agreed to recommend to the OAS General Assembly of June 5-7 in El Salvador that a draft declaration on the Haitian elections be approved. The draft declaration congratulates the Haitian people on “their resolve, political maturity and commitment to democracy and the rule of law”; acknowledges “the efforts of the donor community” in support of Haiti, particularly the role played by the OAS and the JEOM; and reaffirms the continued engagement of the Organization to support the efforts of the Haitian authorities.”

The complete JEOM report is available at the following links:
Spanish, English, French, Portuguese.

A gallery of photos of the event is available here.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-689/11