CEP meeting with political actors fails to dispel concerns over electoral process

Two days of meetings held Thursday and Friday of last week between electoral councilors and leaders of political organizations were not enough to dispel actors' concerns about the electoral process, according to Le Nouvelliste. Concerns surrounding the electoral decree, the calendar and the government's actions remain unresolved, the outlet reported. The Conseil électoral (CEP) is moving forward with the electoral process intended to lead to a first round on December 13. Despite that timeline, a growing number of political actors have expressed unease about the way the process is being conducted, according to the report. Le Nouvelliste noted related statements from political figures, including Kelly C. Bastien, who questioned the CEP's independence and criticized the electoral calendar, and reported that nine accredited groupings of political parties have voiced their concerns about the process. One cited view held that elections 'will not be perfect but the results must reflect the will of the Haitian people.' No agreement resolving the outstanding issues was announced following the meetings. The CEP has not, per the report, altered its stated schedule despite the objections raised by participating organizations.