Santo Domingo, RD.
The Government of the Dominican Republic issued a statement today expressing its concern about the political and social crisis that continues to shake its neighbor Haiti and stresses the need for an inclusive dialogue that will allow it to follow the steps for a democratic electoral process.
The statement, read by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, indicates that he is concerned about the difficulties in meeting the electoral timetable proposed by the Haitian government. “This difficulty derives from two fundamental elements: First, the lack of dialogue between the main actors called to participate in the various electoral processes. Secondly, the great slowness with which voter registration and identification is carried out. So far, all estimates indicate that the goal of completing voter registration for the election process will not be met, “he said.
Here you can read the full statement issued by the Dominican Chancellery:
The Dominican government is following the developments in Haiti with deep concern. The neighboring country is experiencing a situation of political instability marked by increased violence and insecurity, as well as a serious food crisis that is generating considerable popular discontent.
For the Dominican Republic, it is in the best interests of Haiti to overcome the climate of political tension and achieve an increasingly stable government. The Dominican Government reiterates its commitment to promoting a policy of good neighborliness and mutual cooperation, understanding that peace and stability on both sides of the border depend on democracy, as well as strong human development and strong protection of fundamental rights throughout. territory. from La Hispaniola.
We are concerned about the difficulties in meeting the electoral timetable proposed by the Haitian government. This difficulty derives from two fundamental elements: First, lack of dialogue among the main actors called to participate in the various electoral processes. Second, the great slowness with which voter registration and identification is carried out. So far, all estimates indicate that the goal of completing voter registration for the election process will not be achieved.
To ensure a democratic change of government, which 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 most political and social forces in Haiti, would be the starting point for developing a more appropriate institutional architecture for Haiti, one that promotes better governance.
However, none of the above will be possible without the emergence of a broad, inclusive and bona fide political dialogue that brings together the various Haitian national forces, seeking a governance agreement for constitutional change and the organization of elections. Consequently, the Dominican Government sincerely calls on all sectors engaged in 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 the process of including in the civil registry of that country all Haitian citizens who are on 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 as regards the participation of citizens in decisions relating to their own development, as a right and responsibility, a necessary condition for exercising full and effective functioning of democracy.