Rights & Democracy calls on Préval to form national reconciliation government in Haiti
Haiti: Préval should form a government of national reconciliation
The Canadian government must stay committed to Haiti for the long-term
MONTREAL – Feb. 16, 2006 – The decision to declare René Préval as the winner in Haiti’s presidential elections must be followed by immediate steps towards healing past divisions, including the establishment of a government of national reconciliation, says Rights & Democracy.
More than 60% of eligible voters cast a ballot and demonstrated their commitment to democracy. Rights & Democracy encourages Mr. Préval to make use of the mandate Haiti's people have given him to reach out to his opponents and invite them to participate in the rebuilding of Haiti’s fractured political system.
“The Haitian political process has unfortunately been dominated by a winner-take-all attitude in recent history,” said Jean-Louis Roy, President of Rights & Democracy. “Mr. Préval should break that tradition and approach his opponents to form a government of national reconciliation.”
Opposition politicians, members of the newly-elected Parliament and Senate, and civil society groups have an important part to play in bridging past divisions, said Rights & Democracy. They should seize the opportunity provided by these elections and work constructively with the new government.
“Haitians demonstrated that they are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to bring about a sustainable democracy in their country,” said Mr. Roy. “It is now time for those who sought the support of the population in running for office to demonstrate the same commitment.”
Concerns over the destruction of ballots, blank and nullified votes and the vote counting process must be urgently and transparently addressed. These answers are necessary if the reconstruction process is to get off on the right foot.
The international community, especially Canada, must also maintain its long-term commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Haiti. While continuing their vital contributions to security sector reform, judicial reform, and disarmament, it is crucial that Canada and its international partners also provide adequate support to Haitian civil society’s efforts to provide basic needs including food, health care, education and employment.
For many years, Canada has invested significant resources and energy into Haitian institutional development and democratic processes. Canada must now make sure that its efforts are sustainable by continuing to provide consistent and adequate assistance for the strengthening of Haitian institutions.
See Also:
An open letter concerning the climate of insecurity in Haiti and the mandate of MINUSTAH
For More Information
Please contact Steve Smith (ext 255) or Louis Moubarak (ext 261) at Rights & Democracy, 514-283-6073.
