Newsgroups: apc.reg.carib
Subject: US CITIZENS OBSERVE HAITIAN ELECTION
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 09:40:03 -0800 (PST)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT LYDIA WILLIAMS, OXFAM AMERICA, AT 617/728-2409 OR e-mail oaadvocacy@igc.apc.org.

Port-au-Prince Contacts: For Immediate Release Jenny Russell and Tony Newman December 17, 1995 Holiday Inn, #105 (509)23-9783, 9282, 8:00pm Beyond Borders (509) 57-1699

HAITIANS GIVE EXPLANATIONS OF LOW VOTER TURNOUT

At the end of polling on December 17, members of the CIOD, the largest independent observer delegation, reported that the Haitian presidential elections were generally well-organized, fair, and secure. According to reports from nearly 300 sites, polling places were ready to open early in the morning and initial logistical problems were resolved with good communication between local and national election officials. Observers noted conscientious accounting of ballots and the application of procedures that prevented fraudulent voting. In spite of continuing concerns about weapons remaining in the hands of anti-democratic forces, Haitians expressed little fear about coming out to vote today.

Voter turnout, however, was low in most areas reporting in shortly after polls closed. Observers report 20 to 25% turnout in urban areas, with a 30% and higher turnout in the countryside. Haitians interviewed in various locations suggested three reasons for low voter turnout. First, the result of the election was for many a foregone conclusion with Rene Preval, the candidate from President Aristide’s party, expected to win handily.

Second, there was little excitement over this election because many felt that Aristide should be able to complete a five year term, which was cut short by the 1991 coup d’etat and the three year reign of a de facto military government which followed. “Haitians are not interested in this election,” said a police officer in Gonaives. “It is for the international community only.”

Third, some Haitian expressed disenchantment with the political process because they had anticipated swifter economic progress. One Port-au-Prince man who chose not to vote said, “I voted in the last two elections and nothing has changed. I still don’t have a job.” Some people felt that the democratic structures in place are not yet completely able to fulfill the will of the people.

“Although the smoothness of this election is very important for the emergence of democracy in Haiti, this election alone cannot solve Haiti’s serious political and economic problems,” emphasized Tom Reeves, coordinator of the New England Observer Delegation to Haiti, who reported from Hinche.

The Coalition of Independent Observer Delegations, comprised of private citizens financing their own travel to Haiti, reported from polling stations and communal electoral offices in six of Haiti?s nine departments, covering the communities of Port au Prince, Petionville, Cit? Soleil, Carrefour, Kenscoff, Gonaives, Croix des Bouquets, Petite Goave, the Artibonite, Papay, Hinche, Jeremie, Les Cayes and Jacmel. The Coalition will hold a press conference at noon on Tuesday December 19 at the Port au Prince Holiday Inn.

###