Washington (February 7, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today denounced the effort of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to evade a democratic, peaceful transition of power despite having signed the December 21, 2022, accord to uphold a free, fair, and transparent general election in Haiti. February 7, 2024, was the deadline for a new government to be inaugurated.

“Today should have marked a democratic transition of power in a free, fair, and transparent election in Haiti, but acting Prime Minister Henry has once again failed to uphold his commitment to an inclusive and peaceful transition of power,” said Senator Markey. “The people of Haiti deserve to hold the power of democracy in their hands. Prime Minister Henry must take immediate action so that Haiti has a peaceful, democratic transition. Our government and international partners need to provide the necessary support for the people of Haiti to achieve longstanding democratic elections, governance, and institutions.”

In December 2023, Senator Markey and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling on the Administration to address the rising state of insecurity and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti. In December 2022, Senator Markey applauded the Biden administration for heeding his call in a letter to extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the U.S. In August 2016, he successfully led the effort in the Senate to pressure the United Nations to accept full responsibility for Haiti’s cholera outbreak and deliver financial assistance to victims and their families, following his travel to Haiti to deliver aid and assess the humanitarian response.

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