The Joint Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) led by Ambassador Colin Granderson has held meetings with candidates, political parties, civil society organizations, national authorities and the technical and operational entities of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) for the next presidential and legislative elections in the Caribbean country.

The Mission took note of the successful drawing of lots by the CEP on August 12 to determine the order in which the new political parties registered for the presidential election will appear on the ballot paper.

The Mission also observed the registration of presidential nominees and the challenge process at West I Departmental Electoral Challenges Office (BCED). In this respect, the Mission followed with interest the arguments advanced by the lawyers representing the challengers and the nine challenged candidates, as well as the decisions adopted by the BCED thereon.

The members of the Mission also noted the appeals filed at the National Electoral Challenges Office (BCEN) in accordance with article 185 of the electoral law currently in force.

The Mission recognizes the work done and dedication shown by the personnel of the CEP, including all the Commissioners, during the challenges and appeals phase. The Mission noted the Spartan conditions in which the BCED hearings have been held.

Given the extent of the work required of the BCEN to address the appeals, the CEP made the decision to postpone the publication of the list of approved candidates from August 17 to 20, 2010. This delay added to the suspense that surrounded the presentation of the list and brought with it a proliferation of rumors and speculation.

The list of approved candidates was announced in a hurried manner by the spokesperson of the CEP. The electoral body approved 19 nominations, thus giving the Haitian electorate a broad political spectrum to choose from. As regards the 15 nominations that were ruled ineligible, an explanation of the reasons for invalidating them would have contributed to the transparency of the process.

The Mission appeals to the candidates, political parties and their followers to contribute to the stability of the ongoing electoral process by continuing to show their public-spiritedness and democratic commitment.

The conclusion of this phase marks a milestone in the electoral process. The Mission encourages all the stakeholders involved to continue their efforts to ensure that the elections are credible, transparent, and well-attended.

For more information, visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org