Haiti's presidential poll offers 'historic opportunity' for country, Ban says
![Haitian national identity cards ready for distribution ahead of the 28 November 2010 elections Haitian national identity cards ready for distribution ahead of the 28 November 2010 elections](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/assets/2010/11/11655/image100x100cropped.jpg)
The former first lady Mirlande Manigat and the popular musician Michel Martelly are contesting tomorrow's run-off round of presidential elections, four months after the first round was staged. Legislative elections are also being held tomorrow.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban stressed his hope that “a calm and peaceful atmosphere” prevails during voting.
“The Secretary-General calls on the Haitian authorities, the candidates, their supporters and the population as a whole to ensure that Sunday's vote provides the political stability Haiti requires for its recovery, reconstruction and long-term development.”
The UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, issued a similar call earlier this week and underscored the need for all sides to refrain from violence or any acts of harassment or intimidation.