Fragile Haiti Elects a Parliament
4 May 2006

Parliamentary elections took place in Haiti on April 21, with the results released on May 1.  According to a Reuters article of April 24, “An international observer mission with representatives from Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and the United States issued a preliminary report on the election on Monday, calling the vote credible and well-organized.”  The article noted that there were some irregularities, but that most agreed that the results reflected the will of the Haitian people.

Both the United States and the UN Security Council commended Haiti on successful parliamentary elections.  The US stated that "the Haitian people have clearly demonstrated their commitment to democracy through their elections."  Similarly, the UN Security Council noted, "These elections constitute clear evidence of the Haitian people's commitment to democracy."  The Security Council also remarked that, "while...elections are a major step...addressing the country's many long-term challenges will require close cooperation between Haitian authorities and the international community.

President-elect Préval, while in Canada, also noted on the importance of cooperation among and with the international community.  The Toronto Star reports, “Préval told reporters the international community has recognized it left Haiti too quickly after restoring the government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1994.”

Other voices have also called for a continued role to be played by the international community.  The editors of the Baltimore Sun write, “The United States and the United Nations -- respectively, Haiti's largest donor and the lead organization giving assistance -- must continue providing the support that will help the Haitian people fully restore and strengthen their fragile democracy.”    The Orlando Sentinel argued that the United States ought to ensure duty-free trade access to US markets.

Sources:
Orlando Sentinel:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed25206apr25,0,600059.story

Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1146520226940&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467

Baltimore Sun:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.haiti30apr30,0,7207876.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines

Reuters:
http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=N24235794

US State Dept:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/65552.htm

UN Security Council:
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2006/sc8703.doc.htm