WASHINGTON, DC – The Group of Friends of Haiti at the Organization of American States (OAS) met this week at the headquarters of the institution in Washington, DC under the Chairmanship of OAS Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ramdin, the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the OAS, Bocchit Edmond, and representatives from other member states, observers, and international organizations discussed the status of democratic processes in Haiti including a report on the anticipated timeline for the new electoral calendar.
According to Ambassador Edmond, “significant achievements have been made in the last few months as we attempt to overcome the obstacles to political dialogue and progress. We are hopeful that process will continue, so all of Haiti can move forward.”
During the informal meeting, OAS member states and observers expressed support for the holding of overdue senate elections in a timely manner, and noted the timelines put forward for the holding of presidential elections.
Group Chair Ramdin reiterated the support of the OAS leadership for “a free, fair and transparent election process.” According to the high ranking OAS official, “Haiti is moving forward in several areas and we hope the goal of growth for all people can be realized.”
Ambassador Ramdin further noted, “Compromises have been made on all sides. We look forward to the outcome of the political consultations on the proposed electoral calendar by the Electoral Council. The OAS is ready to support the process and to send an electoral observation team once the schedule has been finalized.”
During the meeting, an update was also presented on the progress made by the OAS Universal Civil Identity Project of the Americas (PUICA, for its Spanish initials) on efforts to ensure the right to civil identity and voter registration cards for Haitians over the age of 18.
