International unease as mandate expires for Haiti's interim president

The international community voiced concern Thursday after Haiti's parliament allowed interim president Jocelerme Privert's term to lapse amid national political crisis.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Haiti's National Assembly to "determine a viable arrangement for provisional governance that can ensure the completion of the electoral process," in a statement released by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Privert was appointed in February for a six-month term, filling in after former President Michel Martelly stepped down following contested elections. 

The 120-day term ended Tuesday but the Haitian parliament was unable to convene and decide on a new provisional government plan. 

That decision drew ire from Haiti's main foreign donors, including the United States, which paid $33 million to help organize the previous elections.

"We get to make our choice about how the US taxpayers' money is spent on elections in Haiti," said State Department Special Coordinator for Haiti Kenneth Merten, adding that the "US will have to examine its further support for another round of presidential elections in Haiti." 

Meanwhile, Ban in his statement urged "all stakeholders to act responsibly in the interest of their country and people, including by refraining from any incitement or resort to violence."

Haiti's opposition refused to recognize Privert's presidency, accusing him of attempting to secure power illegally.

The lack of executive power is the latest political crisis plaguing the impoverished Caribbean country, whose government last week canceled the disputed first-round election results, setting a new election date for this October 9, with a second round to follow on January 8.

Source: AFP