Guterres urges Haiti's political class to hold 'credible elections'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Haiti's political class to expedite the process of restoring public trust through inclusive transitional stages and credible elections, emphasizing that security must be re-established concurrently. Guterres stated that the timing of elections is not his purview but stressed the need for parallel progress on security and the conditions for transparent voting.

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It is not up to me to set the date for the elections. I believe it is important to have two parallel paths. One path refers to security; the other, to the creation of conditions for transparent elections. And I believe the final decision on the date of the elections will depend on how these two parallel paths advance.

"It is not up to me to set the date for the elections. I believe it is important to have two parallel paths. One path refers to security; the other, to the creation of conditions for transparent elections. And I believe the final decision on the date of the elections will depend on how these two parallel paths advance," Guterres said during a press conference concluding his visit to the Caribbean nation. He met with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and underscored that elections cannot proceed without minimum security conditions.

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My message was clear: the Haitian people have waited too long. The opportunity that presents itself today may not come again. I count on Haitian leaders to seize it. It is necessary to accelerate the political process and restore confidence.

"My message was clear: the Haitian people have waited too long. The opportunity that presents itself today may not come again. I count on Haitian leaders to seize it. It is necessary to accelerate the political process and restore confidence," he urged. Guterres reiterated that the path forward must be determined by Haitians themselves, leading to inclusive transitions and credible elections as the legitimate means to restore constitutional order and democratic institutions.

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And this process must produce results: inclusive transitional stages and credible elections, the only legitimate way to restore constitutional order and democratic institutions.

Despite the challenging security situation, exacerbated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Guterres conveyed a message of hope. He noted that for the first time in years, there is a glimpse of the end of the tunnel. He highlighted Haiti's creative youth, committed diaspora, and vibrant culture as strengths that can help the nation overcome its difficulties. The UN Secretary-General also mentioned the slow start of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) aimed at combating armed gangs.

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Haiti has everything to rise again.