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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 The
Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States
(OAS) to the legislative and local elections in Haiti this Sunday,
January 29, commended the country on the organization of a very complex
election, but expressed concern over low turnout, particularly in urban
areas.
The OAS Mission, headed by Uruguayan Ambassador Juan Raúl
Ferreira, observed elections for 570 local administration councils
(CASEC), 568 local assemblies (ASEC) and 139 city delegates, as well as
run-off votes for eight senate seats and one seat in the lower chamber.
The Mission deployed 77 observers and specialists from 21 countries who
visited a total of 285 voting centers in all 10 departments of the
country.
In its preliminary report,
the Mission noted that all stations opened on time and had the
necessary materials, but also cited administrative difficulties that
generated confusion on Election Day, and barriers facing female
candidates, among other issues.
The January 29 elections mark
the end of an electoral cycle that began in 2015 and that the OAS has
accompanied throughout, deploying a total of 504 observers. During the
last two years, several key aspects of the electoral organization have
been gradually improved, owing largely to the institutionalization of
the CEP and national ownership of the electoral process. Today Haitians
can have more confidence in their electoral system. The Mission invites
national stakeholders to build on this momentum and engage in
substantial reforms, including the cleansing of the electoral list and
revision of electoral legislation.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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