Haiti: Respect for the rule of law is vital during the electoral process
All parties involved in the Haitian electoral process must respect and promote the rule of law if the elections are to
lead to an end to violence and instability in the country, said Susan Lee, Amnesty International Americas Programme
Director today on the eve of the Presidential elections in Haiti.
“The upcoming presidential elections can result in a new era for Haiti or sink the country into further poverty and
violence. It is in the hands of all involved in the electoral progress to secure a future where respect for human rights
is a reality.”
After a number of postponements, the first round of elections is scheduled to take place on 7 February 2006 with
possible run off on 19 March. The elections will be the first since president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted from
power nearly two years ago.
Amnesty International is extremely concerned that already high levels of violence could increase during this electoral
period.
Recent incidents of violence include the killing of two Jordanian UN peacekeepers, members of the UN Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in Port-au-Prince on 18 January, killings of civilians by armed groups and police and a rise
in the number of kidnappings across the country.
“Security and respect for the human rights of all Haitians should be the priority of the new government. This will not
be possible unless the Haitian authorities and MINUSTAH ensure that candidates and the electorate can participate in the
elections without fear for their safety,” said Susan Lee.