(No. 360 – November 27, 2009 – 8:45 p.m. EST) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today issued the following statement in advance of the presidential and legislative elections to be held Sunday in Honduras:
“Canada is disappointed with the lack of progress on the implementation of the Tegucigalpa-San José Accord, signed by both parties on October 30. Unfortunately, this has meant that Canada could not provide support for the electoral process. Although the elections will be watched closely by the international community and members of civil society, there will be no formal observation missions from the Organization of American States or the UN.
“The peaceful conduct of the November 29 elections will be an important step in moving out of the current political impasse. For the sake of all Hondurans, we urge that they be run freely and fairly, in a safe and secure environment. Although the circumstances under which elections will take place are less than ideal, Canada calls strongly for a peaceful electoral process free from violence.
“Once the elections have taken place, I urge all parties in Honduras to focus anew on the full implementation of the Tegucigalpa-San José Accord to enable Honduras to return to democratic rule and constitutional order.”
Presidential and legislative elections are held every four years in Honduras. The new president is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 27, 2010.
