Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Presidential Election in the Republic of Haiti

February 20, 2006

The presidential and parliamentary elections in the Republic of Haiti were carried out on February 7 (Tue) in a democratic and peaceful manner. On February 15 (Wed) (Japan time February 16), the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announced that Mr. Réne Préval was elected President as a result of the first round of presidential election. The Government of Japan welcomes the result of the elections as an important step in Haiti's democratization.
The Government of Japan hopes that the second round of parliamentary election still to come will be implemented smoothly and that the people of Haiti will promote wide-ranging national dialogue and will exercise their efforts and commitment for strengthening democracy. It also hopes that President-elect Préval, who is expected to assume the presidency at the end of March, will do his utmost for Haiti's stability and democratization on the basis of national reconciliation.
The Government of Japan extended assistance totaling about 1,060,000 dollars for the elections and dispatched three election observers to the first round of election. It will also send another three observers to the run-off election for parliamentary seats.
Japan will continue to assist the people of Haiti in their efforts for stability and development.

(END)