The United States is calling for “free, fair and transparent” elections in Haiti, saying that it will attract broad participation and reflect the will of the people.
In congratulating the citizens of Haiti on the 212th anniversary of their Independence Day, on January 1, US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said, as Haitians pause to take stock of more than two centuries as an independent state, “they also have an opportunity to more fully realise the democratic governance they so greatly need and deserve.”
Kerry urged the country’s leaders to work together to organise the elections and to inaugurate a new president by February 7, as mandated by the national constitution.
The US Secretary of State said when he visited Haiti last October, he noted that “Haiti’s future depended on the unity of its people and the country’s ability to develop strong and stable democratic institutions.
On Saturday, Haiti’s President Michel Martelly announced that the run-off election to choose his successor will be held on January 17.
The run-off was scheduled to take place two weeks ago, but was jettisoned after opposition factions alleged fraud during the first round in October.
In his speech on Independence Day, Martelly, who is constitutionally prohibited from seeking re-election, urged nationals respect the election rules and go to the polls.
