Port-au-Prince, 29 April, 2014 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and members of the international community in Haiti represented in the "Core Group" (the Ambassadors of Brazil, Spain, the United States of America, France and the European Union, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Canada, and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States) note, with concern, that certain important decisions to advance toward the holding of the elections have yet to be made.

This situation has delayed the setting in motion of the necessary preparations for the organization of elections in 2014, which are critical for the consolidation of democracy in Haiti. Following the adoption of the amendments to the electoral law by the Chamber of Deputies on April 1st, the Core Group invites the Senate to do likewise and pronounce on the amended electoral law so that elections can be held by the end of 2014.

On the other hand, in the highest interest of the nation, the Core Group invites all actors involved to make the concessions required to create a climate of mutual trust and serenity to facilitate the work of an Electoral Council which can provide the necessary guarantees for transparent and inclusive elections. After more than three years of delay, the organization of these elections is imperative for the country.

In the spirit that inspired the inter-Haitian dialogue and the “El Rancho” Accord, we encourage the Haitian political class to work towards compliance with all constitutional deadlines and to peacefully resolve this pre-electoral crisis. The inability to hold elections in 2014 could lead to the dissolution of Parliament in January 2015 which would engender yet another political crisis, with unpredictable consequences for the future of Haitian democracy.