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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The
Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States
(OAS/EOM) in Haiti, headed by Brazil’s former Foreign Affairs and
Defense Minister Celso Amorim, takes note of the preliminary results for
the presidential elections announced yesterday by the Provisional
Electoral Council (CEP), which are consistent with what the OAS Mission
observed on October 25.
According to these results, none of the
candidates reached the benchmark of 50% +1 of the votes, nor a lead of
25% or more as required by Haiti’s Constitution and Electoral Decree to
win the presidency, and, thus a run-off election will be necessary. In
view of previous agreements between the Haitian Government and the OAS
General Secretariat, the OAS will deploy an Electoral Observation
Mission for the run-off election scheduled for December. The OAS
reiterates the importance that the final phases of the electoral process
be carried out in accordance to the pre-established norms and in a
peaceful and calm environment.
The OAS/EOM encourages all
political parties that contested the polls to work together and engage
in the construction of a stronger and more inclusive democracy for
Haiti.
The Mission believes that political will and resolute
action by the CEP will allow overcoming the challenges encountered
during the October 25 elections. The OAS/EOM will present a report with
recommendations to be considered by the electoral authorities for the
next round of elections. These recommendations will concentrate mainly
on the role and regulation of party representatives (mandataires), an
issue that became a source of concern during polling on October 25.
The
Mission encourages political parties and citizens to use the legal
channels available to express any potential concerns they may have and
urges the competent authorities to investigate the allegations of
irregularities that have been presented and to sanction any actions
prohibited by law.
The OAS/EOM calls upon all Haitians to
continue to engage in the electoral process and to participate massively
in the run-off election.
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