Malaysia Hopes Rescheduling Of Haiti's Presidential, Legislative Elections Can Take Place As Soon As Practicable

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia are hoping that any rescheduling of Haiti's presidential and legislative elections could take place soon, amid the tragic aftermath of hurricane Matthew last week which killed at least 1,000 people. Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations Security Council Siti Hajjar Adnin said this was crucial to ensure that Haiti can continue the path towards full restoration of the constitutional order. "To this end, we call upon all Haitian political parties and players to cooperate with the interim administration and the electoral commission so that credible, smooth, transparent and inclusive elections could be held as soon as practicable," she said at the UN security council debate on The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in New York on Oct 11. It is reported that the vote, scheduled for Oct 9, was canceled when the hurricane hit and has not yet been rescheduled. On a related note, she said Malaysia welcomed efforts to strengthen the 'rule of law' institutions in Haiti, especially the strides made by the Haitian National Police (HNP). "We are encouraged by the close cooperation and collaboration between HNP and MINUSTAH in terms of operational planning and training, as well as on joint operations and patrols in combating crime as well as election related violence. "No doubt, the current situation is extremely challenging for the interim administration including the security forces who are now faced with increased demands by the population; we hope that the safety, security and welfare of the civilian population especially of women, children, the disabled and elderly could be prioritized," she said. Siti Hajjar said Malaysia could support the UN Secretary General's recommendation to extend MINUSTAH's mandate by six months. At the same time, she said Malaysia are of the view that the MINUSTAH's secretariat could undertake initial, preparatory work on the future presence and role of the UN in Haiti soon, on the understanding that a full strategic assessment would take place after the inauguration of the new President. Meanwhile, Siti Hajjar also expressed her deepest condolences and conveyed heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the government and people of Malaysia to the government and people of Haiti in the tragic aftermath of hurricane Matthew. It was reported that the powerful hurricane that slammed into Haiti on Oct 4 with 145 mile-per-hour (233 kph) winds and torrential rain, left 1.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. --BERNAMA