If all goes according to schedule, lawmakers will take office on January 11, 2016 and Martelly will hand over power to his successor on February 7, 2016.
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In a report published on Wednesday, the National Human Rights Defence Network (RNDDH) warned of escalating clashes in the poorest nation in the Americas.
“These long-awaited elections constitute a major milestone for democracy in Haiti”, said a statement released by Ban’s spokesperson.
United Nations (UN) chief Ban Ki-moon on Saturday urged Haitians to cast their vote. He also urged the political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully and to resolve any disputes that may arise through dialogue and established legal procedures.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, August 9, 2015 (AMG) – Before the first round of legislative elections opened today, the main concern among worldwide observers was apathy, as few voters had registered, and turnout was expected to be very low, potentially tainting the legitimacy of whatever candidates prevailed.
Some lower house seats, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, have as many as 30 candidates.
Males armed with rocks and bottles attacked polling stations within the capital of Port-au-Prince and a minimum of three have been pressured to shut, based on election officers.
The abundance of seats has generated a crowded field with 128 registered political parties and no fe …
Meanwhile young people who gathered outside Martelly’s voting station shouted insults and slogans at the president as he arrived and departed in his motorcade.
“It’s up to the agents to determine shifts in their observation work”, he said. Yet, this political fever has translated into violence.
Noting the day’s low turnout, the European Parliament said that “we must make an appeal to Haitians to exercise their right to vote, which is their voice to determine the future they want for their country once and for all”.
“We’re holding out hope to raise this participation rate”.
On Friday, the last day of the campaign, trucks equipped with loudspeakers, party banners and promoters distributing candidates’ portraits were out in force in the streets of Port-au-Prince, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Many voting centres didn’t open until several hours after the official 6am start time due to lack of staff or ballots not being delivered on time.
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The length of the electoral process could help explain some of voters’ ambivalence. An greement was finally reached in January to hold the election before the end of the year. Some 6 million Haitians will vote for 1,280 representatives for local administrations, 140 mayors, 139 Parliamentarians and for the President.
