Santo Domingo, RD.
The government of the Dominican Republic released a statement today on its concerns about the political and social crisis that continues to shake neighboring Haiti, and points to the need for an inclusive dialogue that will enable the country to follow the steps necessary to achieve a Conduct a democratic electoral process.
The statement, read by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, indicates his concern about the difficulties in complying with the election calendar proposed by the Haitian government. “This difficulty stems from two fundamental elements: first, the lack of dialogue between the main actors called upon to participate in the various electoral processes. Second, the great slowness with which voter registration and identification takes place. To date, all estimates indicate that the goal of completing voter registration for the electoral process will not be achieved, ”he says.
Here you can read the full statement from the Dominican Chancellery:
The Dominican government is following the development of events in Haiti with great concern. The neighboring country is in a situation of political instability characterized by increasing violence and insecurity, as well as a serious food crisis causing significant public discontent.
For the Dominican Republic, it is of the utmost importance that Haiti can overcome the climate of political tensions and achieve an increasingly stable government. The Dominican government reiterates its commitment to promote a policy of good neighborliness and mutual cooperation, recognizing that peace and stability on both sides of the border depend on democracy, as well as solid human development and strong protection of fundamental rights throughout territory. from La Hispaniola.
We are concerned about the difficulties in complying with the election calendar proposed by the government of Haiti. This difficulty stems from two basic elements: first, lack of dialogue one of the main actors called to participate in the various electoral processes. Second, the great slowness with which voter registration and identification takes placeTo date, all estimates indicate that the goal of completing voter registration for the electoral process will not be achieved.
To ensure a democratic change of government, this guarantees political stability in HaitiIt is essential to ensure an electoral process with broad citizen participation and recognition by political parties, supported by international election observation. A constitutional reform, widely accepted by the majority of political and social forces in Haiti, would be the starting point for the development of an institutional architecture more suitable for Haiti, one that promotes better governance.
However, all this will not be possible if it does not emerge from a broad, inclusive and good-faith political dialogue that brings together the various Haitian national forces in search of a governance agreement for constitutional change and holding elections. The Dominican Government therefore sincerely appeals to all sectors committed to democracy, both in Haiti and in the international community, to contribute as much as possible to creating an environment conducive to this necessary dialogue.
The Dominican government reiterates its commitment to support that country’s civil registration process of all Haitian citizens residing in Dominican territory. In addition, it expresses its firm adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, respect for the Inter-American Democratic Charter, especially with regard to the participation of citizens in decisions related to their own development, as a right and responsibility, a necessary condition for the full and effective exercise of democracy.