OAS Chief Urges Credible Elections in Haiti, Warns Against Contested Vote
Albert Ramdin closed his Port-au-Prince mission calling for inclusive polls as several communes still lack voter registration centers.
Organization of American States Secretary General Albert Ramdin insisted on the need for inclusive elections in Haiti during a press conference in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the close of his official visit, Le Nouvelliste reported. Ramdin stressed the importance of holding credible elections and warned against the risk of a contested vote, at a time when several communes in the Ouest, Centre and Artibonite departments still do not have voter registration centers. Asked by Le Nouvelliste about the feasibility of holding a first round on Dec. 13, Ramdin recalled that the date and electoral calendar had been set by Haitian authorities. Ramdin's mission concluded a day earlier with a closing reception at the El Rancho hotel, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, where Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé took part. The visit was devoted to discussions on security, elections and national development. "Haiti is not alone and its recovery remains a cause carried by the entire region," Fils-Aimé said, according to Le Nouvelliste. Related coverage noted that government members and senior officials cannot run in the upcoming elections, and that Japan and the OAS have committed to reinforcing services offered to the Haitian population.