Friday, Canadian Foreign Minister, Stéphane Dion and Minister of International Development and Francophony, Marie-Claude Bibeau, reacted in a joint statement on the 3rd cancellation of the second round of elections in Haiti.

"Canada deplores the fact that the elections, scheduled to take place on April 24, have been cancelled for the third time, as well as indications that they may not take place until October. It is essential that Haitian political actors take the necessary and responsible actions to re-establish constitutional order quickly so that they can devote themselves entirely to resolving the difficulties the Haitian people are facing.

"We are very concerned that commitments made in the February 5, 2016, agreement, when Haiti’s leaders promised their fellow citizens the election process would be completed in 90 days or less, are not being met.

"As a partner of Haiti and of all Haitians

[$ 1.6 billion invested in humanitarian and development aid since 2006], Canada once again calls on Haitian political actors to do everything they can to ensure that the partial legislative elections and the second round of the presidential election take place quickly and peacefully. Canada will continue its dialogue with Haitian leaders in support of Haitians’ democratic aspirations. In accordance with Canada and Haiti’s joint commitments in the International Organisation of La Francophonie, Haiti, more than ever, needs to strengthen its democratic institutions, as an essential step to ensure inclusive governance, peaceful pluralism and inclusive economic growth."

HL/ HaitiLibre