Rights & Democracy Voices Concern over the Electoral Process in Haiti

MONTREAL, Nov. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Rights & Democracy praises the courage of the Haitian people who went to the polls on Sunday, but remains deeply concerned about the conditions under which this first round of presidential and legislative elections took place. Reported incidents of violence, serious problems with regard to the registration and identification of voters, the general disorganization of the electoral process and the many allegations of electoral fraud testify to the fragility of the democratic process in Haiti.

"The Haitian people have once again proved their commitment to democracy by going to the polls despite the insecurity and the very difficult conditions in which they live," said Gérard Latulippe, President of Rights & Democracy. "It is hoped that the Haitian authorities and the international community will show the same commitment to democratic rights by ensuring a full investigation into the allegations of irregularities and electoral fraud. Under the circumstances, the eagerness with which the Provisional Electoral Council has validated the first round of these elections is concerning."

Rights & Democracy is concerned by reports that thousands of Haitian men and women may not have been able to exercise their right to vote on Sunday either because they had no identification papers, were not registered to vote or were unable to identify their polling station. Rights & Democracy would like to recall that these problems linked to the national identification and civil registration system in Haiti are by no means new, and that they have been alarmingly amplified since the earthquake. 

For more than 15 years, Rights & Democracy has worked to strengthen democratic governance, promote human rights and foster dialogue between civil society and the Government of Haiti. In recent years, Rights & Democracy has focused its efforts on promoting the right to identity, strengthening the Office of the Ombudsman (Office de la protection du citoyen), strengthening the political participation of women and encouraging dialogue between Haitian political parties and the general public.

For further information:

about Rights and Democracy's work in Haiti, please visit www.dd-rd.ca/haiti or contact Lauren Ravon, [email protected], [phone] ext. 282.