U.S. prepared to spend $15 million on elections in Haiti

Senator Desras, Ambassador White, Cheryl Mills and Deputy Alexis

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) – The United States announced on Wednesday that it is prepared to contribute $15 million [US], nearly half the estimated cost, for elections in Haiti, as long as they are “credible and democratic.”

The $15 million announcement was made by the U.S. Ambassador in Port-au-Prince, Pamela White, on Wednesday, well before the establishment of an electoral council to organize elections in Haiti.

White spoke following a meeting with the President and Vice-President of the Haitian Parliament, Senator Simon Desras (Centre/Lavni) and Deputy Jean Tholbert Alexis (Croix-des-Bouquets/Inite), respectively.

Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe estimates the cost of elections to be $36 million [US].

“We met with the leaders of parliament and we discussed with them the issue of elections and the United States naturally wants these elections to be held this year,” said State Department official Cheryl Mills who accompanied Amb. White to the Parliament.

According to the President of the Senate, Desras, Mills discussed with them the issue of the participation of the Senate to the formation of the controversial electoral college, ensuring that Parliament plays its full part in the process.

Senator Desras also stated that Mills is in charge of issue of Haiti at the U.S. Department of State.

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