The United States has welcomed the new Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in Haiti, saying that it is encouraged by its re-establishment.
John Kirby, a State Department spokesman, also said the U.S. welcomes Parliament’s confirmation of Haitian Prime Minister Enex J. Jean-Charles and his cabinet.
“We are encouraged by the re-establishment of the new nine-member Provisional Electoral Council (CEP),” said Kirby said, noting that the CEP is responsible for organizing the second round of presidential elections, remaining parliamentary elections, and local elections in Haiti to complete the electoral process begun in 2015.
“As called for in the Feb. 5 accord, we encourage the CEP to quickly implement the technical recommendations of the Independent Electoral Evaluation Commission, designed to improve the transparency and fairness of the final round. Such action will enhance public confidence in the election process,” he added.
The United States looks forward to all provisions of the Accord being implemented — and a new democratically-elected president seated — as quickly as possible, so that the government can work together with Haiti’s partners to rapidly address the challenges facing the country,” Kirby continued.
CEP Director Mosler Georges said, “the achievement of good elections is our mission.”
Reports indicate that violent protests and accusations of fraud in favor of former Haitian President Michel Martelly’s successor nominee contributed to the jettisoning of the January electoral runoff. The runoff was first put off in December.
An agreement was reach in February for the new runoff on April 24.
