The January 12 earthquake in Haiti killed over 230,000 people, left more than 1,3 million people homeless or displaced and halted the legislative polls originally set for February and March. That pause in the democratic process will soon end as the Haitian government has called for elections to be held on November 28 to elect ten of the thirty senators, as well as all but one of the 99 deputies and a new President that will replace Preval after his mandate finishes in February 2011.
With the support of the European Commission, during this mission the Club de Madrid made the leadership experience of one of its members available to discuss with stakeholders and interested parties the importance of a free, fair and peaceful electoral process. The electoral campaign is a unique opportunity for an open discussion of ideas on the future of the country and its reconstruction process. Participation on ballot day is key as it will designate the leaders that will pilot the country from disaster and despair to its reconstruction and its future.
