Presidential elections
The United Nations - and its MINUSTAH peacekeepers on the ground - committed to supporting the government hold free and fair elections in 2010 that reflected the will of the Haitian people. The mission did this through the provision of technical, logistical, and administrative assistance as well as providing continued security.
The run-off round, that took place on 20 March 2011, was won by popular musician Michel Martelly. The UN congratulated Haiti's President Martelly and looked forward to working closely with his administration.
Challenges ahead
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking on 6 April 2011, commended the election and the people of Haiti for taking an important step towards the consolidation of democracy. Mr. Ban said it built on the gains Haiti had made, with the support of the MINUSTAH, towards security, respect for basic freedoms and an end to the state-sponsored violence.
Mr. Ban pledged the continued assistance of the UN, as Haiti faces a number of daunting challenges such as reviving its crippled economy and strengthening the rule of law.
The election rounds
The first round of presidential and legislative elections took place on 28 November 2010 in Haiti. On 8 December the Secretary-General expressed his concern about allegations of fraud. He urged all candidates to exhaust the formal remedies and legal procedures. The Secretary-General expressed his concern over the acts of violence that took place in the aftermath of the announcement of the preliminary results. On 10 December the Security Council issued a statement stressing the importance of holding peaceful and credible elections as a critical element of Haiti’s ongoing recovery, reconstruction and development.
On 3 February 2011, the Secretary-General welcomed the announcement by the Provisional Electoral Council of the final results of the first round of presidential and legislative elections in Haiti. Former first lady Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly faced off in the presidential poll, which was delayed by two months when violence erupted after disputed first round results were announced in December.
On 4 April, preliminary results of the presidential elections were released by Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, indicating that Michel Martelly had won. MINUSTAH saluted the fact that Haitian political actors welcomed this announcement with maturity, demonstrating their wish to respect the voice of the people and the democratic process. MINUSTAH stated that any candidates in the presidential or legislative elections who dispute the preliminary results should pursue their claims in line with the provisions of Haiti’s electoral laws.
Statements and press releases
- Security Council press statement on Haiti (17 May 2011)
- Secretary-General, in Security Council, Pledges UN Will Stand ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ with Haiti in Noble Work of Building More Just, Prosperous Future (6 April 2011)
- Recognizing Interconnected Nature of Haiti’s Long-Term Development Challenges, Security Council Reiterates Need for Sustained International Support (6 April 2011)
- Secretary-General Congratulates Haiti on ‘Successful’ Run-Off Ballot (21 March 2011)
- Secretary-General Hopes for Calm, Peace in Haiti’s ‘Historic’ Run-Off Vote (19 March 2011)
- Security Council press statement on Haiti (10 December 2010)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Haiti (8 December 2010)
- Press conference with Head of Mission, Mr. Mulet (23 November 2010)