Malaysia Urges Haiti To Ensure 2015 Elections Can Be Held As Scheduled

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia joins other United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members in urging Haiti's government to work together to ensure that the country's elections can be held as scheduled. Malaysia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Siti Hajjar Adnin said since UNSC's recent visit to Haiti in January, the Haitian government had made gradual and important steps, thus paving the way for elections later this year. "Malaysia is encouraged by the steps taken, including the establishment of the transitional government, the installation of a new Provisional Electoral Council. "....the promulgation and subsequent adoption of the new electoral law as well as the government's recently proposed elections calendar," she said at UNSC's debate on the Haiti question in New York, Wednesday. Siti Hajjar's statement was released here Thursday. She said these and other steps taken demonstrated the Haitian government's commitment to ensure that free, inclusive and transparent elections could take place this year. The devastating earthquake on Jan 12, 2010, which resulted in over 220,000 deaths, according to Haitian government, delivered a severe blow to the country's already shaky economy and infrastructure. The catastrophe led to a climate of political uncertainty, interrupting a period of relatively smooth progress towards legislative, presidential and municipal elections scheduled to be held in Feb 2010. Malaysia encouraged the Haitian government to consider giving more respect for human rights in the country, including the rights of women and children, the right to health and education and to take necessary steps to establish accountability and impunity. Siti Hajjar said the Haitian government should continue prioritising its responses particularly in addressing violent crime including murder, rape, gang violence and abduction. "We further note and supports the Haiti's proposed plans to build and improve the capacity and capability of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and believe that efforts to increase the competency and professionalism of HNP will go a long way towards building public confidence in such a key national institution." Siti Hajjar reiterated Malaysia's appreciation and reaffirmed support for the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) leadership and team for their sustained and exemplary contributions in support of the Haitian government. "Malaysia believes that 2015 will present enormous opportunities for Haiti and Haitians to fulfill their aspirations... Malaysia will continue to support the ongoing transition and nation building processes currently underway in Haiti towards achieving the goals of stability, security and development". -- BERNAMA