#3617: EOM Press Release (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Mary Durran <durranmary@hotmail.com>

Organization of American States ? Haïti Electoral Observation Mission

Press Release

13 May 2000

Informal Translation

For further information : Mary Durran 509 511 5690

The Electoral Observation Mission strongly condemns the cowardly murder of 
Banord Sanon, campaign director for his cousin Louiseul Sanon, Open the Gate 
(Parti Louvri Baryè) candidate for deputy for the Barradères riding.  Sanon 
was fatally shot as he was waiting for a taxi on 12 May, in the area of 
Carrefour-Feuilles, Port-au-Prince. The Mission deplores the violent 
incidents that have struck the country and calls once again on the police 
and the judicial authorities to open a prompt serious enquiry into this 
crime in order to bring those responsible to justice.

The Mission is nonetheless convinced that the will of the people to go to 
the polls is stronger than that of those responsible for acts of violence.  
The Mission encourages voters to reject this violence and affirm their right 
to vote by going peacefully to the polls on 21 May.  The Mission reiterates 
that it is the duty of political parties and civil society to work together 
with the police to create the climate of security necesary for the elections 
to take place.

The Electoral Observation Mission expresses its condolences to the family of 
Banord Sanon, as well as to his colleagues of the Open the Gate party.

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