Meeting with Haitian political parties, UN envoy urges tolerance

The senior United Nations envoy to Haiti has urged the country’s major political parties to act with moderation during the electoral process and to honour the final result of the polls.

Juan Gabriel Valdes made his comments on Tuesday as the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), working with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the country’s Transitional Government, presented a strategy document for sustainable development to leading political parties.

During their meeting, Mr. Valdes asked the candidates to show tolerance and moderation during the electoral process and to respect the final decision of the Haitian people. Among those attending were leading political figures, including those standing for the presidential elections.

“The coming elections mark a decisive step for Haiti’s future,” said Mr. Valdes, who added that MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police are working together, along with electoral observers, to minimize the possibility of electoral fraud.

The senior UNDP official in Haiti, Adama Guindo, reiterated the international community’s full support for the country during the polling process and in the post-electoral period.