Several organizations representing the Haitian Diaspora in the United States have joined to find solutions to the election crisis in Haiti. Among them are: The Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA), the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (HACCOF), the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) Konbit for Haiti, Congress to Fortify Haiti and the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians are concerned about the impact of the continuing impasse on the economy, the legitimacy and stability of the government resulting from the voting process. As a result, the group is issuing the following statement collectively:

"As organizations representing a broad swath of Haitians in the Diaspora, we are concerned about the continuing impasse and its impact on the economy and the legitimacy of any government that might be elected unless a political solution can be agreed upon. To that end, we believe:

- That all parties should work together with the aim of respecting the current constitution in place and avoid a transition government.

- In light of the doubts that have been expressed by a number of organizations, civic and political leaders regarding possible fraud; counting of all the ballots (in the presence of independent observers) should be done even if the date of the second round has to be postponed as long as the elected president can take power by February 7.

- We call on all parties to work toward finding common ground so that we can focus on improving the lives of our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

- After the elections, we call on the winner to work toward healing any rift by setting up a commission or assembly across party lines to reform the election process so that this type of crisis can be avoided in the future.

Leaders in the Diaspora stand ready to come to Haiti to assist in reaching out a political solution out of this crisis. As Haitians, what unites us is the love for our country and the idea that Haiti can again become the pearl of the Caribbean; this cause for unity is greater than anything that could potentially divide us."

HL/ HaïtiLibre