CARICOM has expressed concern over the deteriorating public order situation in Haiti and urged all the political leaders and the Haitian people to exercise calm and patience. The situation follows the preliminary results of the November 28 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
A statement by Chairman of CARICOM Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica, said that the Caribbean Community recognizes the irregularities and imperfections in the electoral process that have already been identified by the Joint OAS-CARICOM Observer Mission.
Golden in the statement released by the CARICOM Secretariat said also that the Community understands the reasons for the tensions in Haiti, but is very aware that the response of the political leaders and the people of Haiti could gravely jeopardize the consolidation of the democratic process in the country. It could also derail efforts for Haiti’s reconstruction and development at a time when national unity is essential, Golding said.
Moreover he urged that all political actors and other stakeholders who believe that there were irregularities or fraud to “act in accordance with the electoral law to redress their grievances.”
The period allowed under the electoral law should be used to contest the preliminary results so that the will of the Haitian electorate can be upheld, Golding said.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community expressed willingness to continue to assist the democratic process in Haiti through the presence of the Joint OAS-CARICOM Observer Mission and pledged its continued support to the people of its member state.
