In a recent interview with the Voice of America on the holding of elections in Haiti, Ambassador of the United States in Haiti, Pamela White, explained that according to experts in Haiti as well as his own advisers, that if the electoral law was ready by June, there is a possibility that the elections in Haiti, take place this year. Moreover, she also drew attention on the financial cost necessary to hold two successive Senate elections, stressing the economic difficulties faced the United States and contributors who are not able to respond favorably to two separate Senate elections separated by less than one year and encouraged for this purpose, the Haitian authorities and political actors in the future to amend the Constitution, in order to modify [and streamline] the electoral deadlines. Furthermore, so that everyone can vote to elect about 30,000 elective officesat the local elections particularly and given the importance of the device to put in place, she said believe possible, that the elections could be held in 2014, to allow a smooth process.

Statements interpreted by Senator Simon Dieuseul Desras, President of the Senate [and several Haitian media] who did not hesitate to say last week that they had informations according to which the international community [implicitly United States] working for the elections in Haiti are not held this year, warning the College Transitional of Permanent Electoral Council (CTCEP) against any temptation to let embark on such an adventure.

Following the confusion caused by herstatements on the Voice of America, Ambassador Pamela White wanted to respond formally in a statement to put an end to these interpretations...

Text of the statement :

"U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Pamela White regrets any confusion raised by her interview with the Voice of America last week regarding elections in Haiti. During the interview, Ambassador White never suggested any change in the timing of such elections.

Ambassador White reiterates unequivocally that the U.S. position on elections in Haiti has not changed, and the U.S. Government continues to support the Government of Haiti’s intent to hold elections this year. Ambassador White congratulates the Government of Haiti, including President Martelly, who has publicly expressed his commitment to organize elections in 2013.

On May 3, 2013, Ambassador White met with the new members of the Transitional College of the Permanent Electoral Council (CTCEP) to congratulate them, and reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to provide financial and technical support to Haiti’s electoral process this year.

The United States Government remains committed to supporting the people and the Government of Haiti over the long-term, in building a more stable and prosperous future for its people."

HL/ HaitiLibre