Global perspective Human stories

With ‘long-awaited’ elections set to begin in Haiti, Ban urges peaceful campaigning

Ballots to be used in the 9 August 2015 vote in Haiti to elect 118 Deputies and two thirds of the Senate arrive in the capital Port-au-Prince from Dubai.
UN/MINUSTAH /Prasad Ranganath
Ballots to be used in the 9 August 2015 vote in Haiti to elect 118 Deputies and two thirds of the Senate arrive in the capital Port-au-Prince from Dubai.

With ‘long-awaited’ elections set to begin in Haiti, Ban urges peaceful campaigning

Welcoming the upcoming presidential, legislative and local elections in Haiti, which will begin on Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need to ensure credible and peaceful polls.

“These long-awaited elections constitute a major milestone for democracy in Haiti,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General, in particular, welcomes the increased ownership of the process by the Haitian people. Credible, inclusive and transparent elections are a key to long-term stability and promotion of a vibrant democracy.”

Mr. Ban urged the political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully and to resolve any disputes that may arise through dialogue and established legal procedures.

Inviting all Haitians to participate and exercise their democratic right to vote for the renewal of their institutions of governance, the Secretary-General added that the UN stands “side by side” with the Haitian people and will continue to extend its full support to this important process.

The elections kick off on Sunday with the first round of legislative polls. The presidential polls are expected to follow in October.