UNITED NATIONS (CMC):
THE UNITED Nations Security Council has urged the transitional Government in Haiti to adopt all necessary measures to ensure that free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections are held in the country later this year.
After a briefing by interim Prime Minister, Gerard Latortue, Security Council president Gheorghe Dumitru of Romania said the elections must be held in accordance with international democratic standards and open to all political candidates who have renounced violence.
"The Council conveys its concern regarding the risk of delays in the electoral process and underlines international expectations that the first round of national elections should take place on 7 February, 2006 in accordance with the Haitian Constitution," he said in a statement.
The Security Council said there was a need for effective and prompt decision-making in key areas by the interim Government, and urged it to make full use of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
It called on the Latortue Government to develop a "phased electoral plan" aimed at finalising a feasible electoral calendar.
The Security Council urged the government to speedily publish a list of voting centres that ensures voter access and takes into account budgetary, security and logistical implications.
The Security Council also expressed grave concern about reports of Haitian National Police Officers' involvement in serious crimes and human rights violations, saying there's need to seriously investigate these allegations.
In addition, Dumitru said it is necessary to maintain stability in the period immediately following the elections, and that measures must be taken in ensuring that key Haitian institutions, such as those addressing the rule of law and development, are functioning adequately.
"Haiti is at a critical juncture. While, ultimately, the responsibility for Haiti's future lies with the government and people, the international community must continue to provide support."
Last week, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said in a report that there is hope for "credible" elections in Haiti, but he warned that the situation is "fragile".
Annan said there was need for greater openness and improved decision-making in the electoral process and that numerous technical problems needed to be resolved, while cautioning that violence may escalate.
He said the interim government must address concerns with the electoral law and facilitate inclusiveness.
The Secretary General said the provision of public financing to political parties would help to reduce the risk of reliance on dubious sources of funding.
He said pressure must be maintained on illegal armed groups, and that security operations should be accompanied by control of drug and weapons flows.
"To maintain internal stability, extend state authority and provide a firm platform for the incoming elected government, the reform of the Haitian National Police must be carried out in parallel with the improvement of the functioning of the judicial and penal systems," Annan said.
Latortue told the Security Council that there had been delays in the electoral process, but pointed out that "a serious of steps" had been taken to reduce any restraints that might put brakes on the electoral process.
He said his government would submit next week a new electoral timetable that ensures a transition of power on February 7 next year.
He described the work of the new police chief as "delicate," pointing out that disarmament remains a major problem.
Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for November 20 with a possible run-off on January 3, 2006, while a ballot to elect local government officials is set for December 11, this year. But officials in Port au prince say it is likely that the presidential elections might be held at a later date.
The poll will be the first presidential election since the controversial removal of Jean Bertrand Aristide in February last year. Aristide, who now resides in exile in South Africa, has accused the United States of engineering his removal, a claim that has been denied by Washington.
