Elections

President René Préval obtained the majority required to win the presidential elections held concurrently with the first round of legislative elections on February 7, 2006. An unprecedented 63% of registered voters filled in their ballots on that day, thus demonstrating the Haitian people's strong attachment to democracy. Successful first-round senatorial and parliamentary candidates competed in the second round of legislative elections on April 21, 2006. Voter turnout was lower at slightly over 30%, but still above the levels of previous elections in Haiti. Outstanding legislative (14 parliament and 1 senate seats), municipal and local elections were held on December 3.  Voter participation was in the 30% range.

The Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) contributed nearly $40 million for the electoral process, the work of the International Mission for Monitoring Haitian Elections, chaired by the Chief Electoral Officer of  Elections Canada, the recruitment and deployment of observers for all three rounds, and security during the electoral period. This funding also provided part of the costs for the recruitment, training and deployment of over 10,000 national observers over the electoral rounds.

Canada deployed 106 short-term observers to monitor the first round of elections held on February 7, and another 106 Canadian short-term observers for the second round on April 21. For the elections of December 3, Canada contributed 22 long-term observers and 5 technical experts The support provided for the enhancement of security during the elections included the provision of electoral security agents as well as radio repeaters and other communications equipment in addition to the deployment, since October 2005, of 25 retired Canadian police experts to enable the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to support the Haitian National Police.

As requested by the Canadian Government, The Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, attended the inauguration of President René G. Préval on May 14, in clear demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. During her visit to Haiti (from May 13 to May 17), she met with Haitian political and business leaders, members of civil society and Women groups. Mme Jean also met with Canadian military and police members of the UN Mission, as well as other Canadians involved in development activities in Haiti.
 

Background Information

Since the departure of President Aristide on February 29, 2004, Canada has played an important role in international efforts to re-establish security and stability in Haiti and to assist in longer-term reform and reconstruction efforts. Haiti is now Canada's most important long-term development assistance beneficiary in the Americas, and the second largest in the world (after Afghanistan).

Canada is contributing up to 100 civilian police to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and a Canadian has served for two successive terms until August 2006, as UN Civilian Police Commissioner for the mission. This contribution follows on a significant Canadian Forces contribution (550 CF) to the UN mandated Multinational Interim Force which facilitated the transition to MINUSTAH. On February 15, 2007, MINUSTAH’s mandate was renewed for an eight-month period until October 2007, at which time further renewal will be considered.

The Montreal International Conference on Haiti - 2005:
 
Canada hosted one of three international conferences held in 2005 to ensure continued strong political commitment internationally and engagement with the Haitian interim authorities over the transition to an elected government.
 
The Montreal International Conference on Haiti, held on June 16-17, 2005, brought together representatives of the Transitional Government of Haiti, donor countries and friends of Haiti, financial institutions, and national, international and regional organizations. Co-chaired by the governments of Canada and Haiti, the conference was intended to ensure a concerted approach to the establishment of a secure and favourable environment for the holding of democratic elections in Haiti, in the last trimester of 2005. In addition, it aimed to ensure the continued flow of resources to support the social and economic recovery of Haiti through and beyond the transition period.