Security Council urges Haitian parties to refrain from actions that could further disrupt electoral process

Expressing strong concern regarding the indefinite postponement of the final round of elections in Haiti – scheduled for 27 December but postponed, for the second time, to January 24 – the United Nations Security Council today reiterated its condemnation of any attempt to destabilize the electoral process, and urged all parties and political actors to refrain from violence.

In a press statement, the members of the Security Council expressed their concern that the delay in elections may undermine Haiti's ability to address the security, economic and social challenges it faces.

As such, the Council strongly encouraged the Executive, the Parliament, and the relevant political actors to come to an agreement by 7 February, providing a Haitian-led and owned roadmap for the swift conclusion of the current electoral cycle to allow the Haitian people the opportunity to vote for their elected representatives in a free, fair, inclusive, and transparent contest.

The members of the Council commended the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Haitian National Police for their efforts to contain the violence and protect the civilian population.

Reiterating strong condemnation of any attempt to destabilize the electoral process, in particular by force, the Council urged all candidates, their supporters, political parties and other political actors to remain calm, refrain from unlawful violence or any action that can further disrupt the electoral process and political stability, resolve any electoral disputes through established legal mechanisms, and to hold those responsible for such violence accountable.

Further to the statement, the Council welcomed the continued efforts of the UN, other multilateral agencies, regional organizations, and UN Member States in supporting Haiti's critical needs. Council members expressed their intention to continue to follow closely the situation in Haiti.