26793: Hermantin(News)Make a long-term commitment to Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Tue, Dec. 06, 2005

Editorial
Miami Herald

Make a long-term commitment to Haiti
OUR OPINION: ELECTIONS CAN BE START OF LONG JOURNEY TO STABILITY



In fits and starts but with certainty, Haiti is preparing to vote on Jan. 8. 
And there is a realistic chance that the presidential and legislative elections 
will be credible. The elections, however, will mark only the beginning of a 
long, tough slog toward what is hoped can become a stable, democratic 
government. For the process to succeed, the international community must make a 
commitment for long-term support of Haiti -- with money, expertise and 
security.

Violence prevails

Under difficult conditions, Haitian provisional authorities and the United 
Nations Mission in Haiti have made important preparations. U.N. Mission Chief 
Juan Gabriel Valdés says that peacekeepers have tamped down the violence, 
including gang-related and politically motivated crime. Violence still 
prevails, however, in Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince's largest slum.

Haiti's election authorities have managed to register 75 percent of the 
eligible voters; 35 presidential candidates have been qualified; Haiti's 809 
election sites have been selected; and 3,600 U.N.-trained civilians are ready 
to provide security at the polls. There's still a lot to do: More than 2.5 
million registration cards have to be distributed to voters, 40,000 poll 
workers must be hired and trained, the list of legislative candidates must be 
finalized and international monitors must be organized.

In a good move, Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council delayed the date for 
elections to Jan. 8. The earlier date during the Christmas holidays risked 
lower turnout and didn't allow enough time for campaigns and preparations. But 
ensuring a legitimate election is more important than meeting an arbitrary 
deadline.

After the elections, the international community should help Haiti rebuild its 
government and create jobs. The United States should take a strong leadership 
role, given its historic ties to the island and its position as a favored 
destination of Haitians fleeing a hopeless future.

Years in prison

Haiti should secure its peace by disarming the gangs and other criminal 
elements -- a mandate that the U.N. Security Council already has given to the 
U.N. mission. Haiti needs a professional police force. Officers should be paid 
decent wages and given decent accommodations. Likewise, the judicial system 
should be overhauled. Suspects shouldn't have to wait years in prison before 
their cases are resolved.

It can be hoped that Haiti's winner-take-all political tradition will evolve. 
Reconciliation and compromise must become a part of the political lexicon. The 
economy needs to be revived, and the new government must establish strong 
anti-corruption policies. Haiti will need help to achieve these goals, which is 
why U.N. support will be needed for years to come.