CP/DEC. 55 (1985/14)

SUPPORT FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND HOLDING OF ELECTIONS IN HAITI UNDER THE TERMS OF THE EL RANCHO ACCORD

(Adopted by the Permanent Council at the meeting held on August 27, 2014)

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT:

Declaration CP/DEC. 53 (1965/14) of the Permanent Council, of April 30, 2014, on the electoral process in Haiti and the ongoing support by the Organization of American States for that process, through its provision of technical assistance and electoral observation missions;

BEARING IN MIND:

The efforts of the Haitian Government and the signing of the El Rancho Accord by the three branches of the State, namely: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, and by civil society representatives, thereby paving the way for the organizing of periodic, free, fair and transparent elections;

RECOGNIZING:

That the parties have agreed on the political and constitutional foundations for the organization of these elections, at the signing of the El Rancho Accord on March 19th 2014;

CONSIDERING:

The importance of all parties, Executive, Judicial and Legislative, fully honoring their political commitments as well as the legal and constitutional obligations to facilitate the speedy organization of elections necessary for the renewal of the mandates of legislative and municipal authorities; and

The progress made since the signing of the El Rancho Accord in Haiti, specially the implementation of the commitments by the Executive and Judicial branches and the establishment of an Electoral Council which is now in place and working on holding these elections.

NOTING

That the draft Electoral Act, an essential tool for organizing these elections, was passed on April 1 2014 by Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies and immediately transmitted to the Senate for its consideration and approval; and

Further noting that to date, no action has been taken by the Senate in this regard,

DECLARES:

1. Its continued support for the electoral process and the prompt holding of the overdue elections.

2. Its deep concern for the lack of progress in the electoral process.

3. That it urges all branches of the State and stakeholders to continue the dialogue in order to fulfill, as a matter of urgency, their obligations under the Constitution and the El Rancho Accord for the purpose of ensuring the holding of elections in 2014

4. Its solidarity with the Authorities and with the Haitian people in their efforts to strengthen the rule of law by renewing democratic institutions through the holding of free, fair and transparent elections.

5. That it will remain seized of the developments in this regard.