OAS Media Relase. Port Au Prince — The Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) that observed the first round of legislative elections in Haiti on Sunday, August 9, highlighted that despite some incidents of violence, most polling stations were able to conclude their operations as planned, and characterized the holding of the elections as a step forward for Haitian democracy.

The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) congratulated the Caribbean country on the holding of the elections that included the participation of the vast majority of political forces in the country. The Mission recommended holding a civic education campaign to increase citizen participation in the elections.

In a preliminary report, the Chief of the Observation Mission, Enrique Castillo, welcomed the determination of the Provisional Electoral Council to continue with the next steps in the electoral process. The OAS will deploy another mission to the first round of voting in the presidential elections in October.

“Yesterday’s election was a step forward in strengthening Haitian democracy,” said the Chief of Mission. “The work of the Mission does not end here,” added the former Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, who said that the OAS will maintain its presence in the country until the conclusion of the vote count.

The OAS Mission consisted of 28 professionals from twelve countries, who on election day visited 171 polling stations in all the departments of Haiti.

In related news from the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Guyana, the Chairman and Prime Minister of Barbados, Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, QC, MP, welcomed the holding of the first round of elections in Haiti.  He said that the Community stood by its largest Member State as it conducted this important exercise in its democratic renewal.  The Chairman congratulated the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the government and people of Haiti for their determination in holding the elections.

Prime Minister Stuart underlined the important role that CARICOM has been playing in Haiti and the importance to the Region of Haiti’s membership in CARICOM.  He referred to the fact that Haiti will be hosting CARIFESTA, the Region’s premier cultural festival from 21-30 August, 2015 as a sign of the deep involvement of Haiti in the Community.