UN-organized elections workshop in Haiti allows candidates to air views

More than 30 representatives of political parties, including a dozen women, took part today in a pre-electoral seminar organized by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) aimed at fostering a frank exchange of views.

Held in the capital, Port-au-Prince, just weeks before next month's election, the event served to enable candidates to discuss principles of local governance and other issues of mutual concern.

Over the course of “animated” debate, participants aired their frustrations regarding the electoral process, MINUSTAH said in a news release.

Charles Messier, of the Mission's civil affairs office, said the exchanges served to help MINUSTAH understand how better to respond to the needs of officials who will be elected in the months to come.

The seminar was one of a series being organized by MINUSTAH in various parts of Haiti.