WASHINGTON – OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin will lead a six-member OAS mission to Haiti from April 8 to 10 at the request of the Government of Haiti. The mission will seek to engage the Haitian authorities and other important stakeholders in the country’s electoral agenda. Haiti’s electoral cycle was abruptly interrupted in the wake of the massive earthquake of January 12.
“At this juncture and in light of the enormous recovery and reconstruction task ahead, it is critical to help Haiti ensure continuity in state affairs and to uphold the legitimacy of authorities emanating from the will of the people,” Ramdin said.
During the two-day visit, the OAS mission will hold discussions with Haitian President René Préval and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, as well as other government ministers. The delegation will also meet with a broad range of stakeholders, including the Provisional Electoral Commission (CEP), national political parties, the private sector and civil society. Ambassador Ramdin emphasized that “these consultations will allow the OAS to better assist Haiti in the planning and preparation of elections, in concert with pertinent international partners.”
Ramdin also indicated that “several other important issues will be addressed, including the operations of the civil registry program, the launching of a cadastre modernization project, and ways to advance governance, capacity building and institutional strengthening programs in Haiti.”
Ambassador Ramdin participated in the recent UN International Donors Conference on Haiti and laid out a framework for the continued commitment of the OAS with the government and people of Haiti.
