A/HRC/31/77 57. The 9 August elections were marked by a series of irregularities, according to qualified observers such as the Election Observation Mission of the European Union. 58. Human rights organizations — operating through the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights, the National Election Observation Council and the Haitian Council of Non-State Actors — closely monitored nearly one half of the polling stations (728 out of 1,508, or 48.27 per cent). They issued a detailed report on incidents observed, including acts of violence, before the elections (five murders and two attempted murders occurred between 9 July and 2 August) as well as on the day of the elections (acts of violence and electoral fraud were reported at no fewer than 104 polling stations). Several members of polling station committees were alleged to have infringed the law on the day of the elections; and numerous candidates, accredited observers and others reportedly attempted to influence voters on polling station premises. This was made possible in some cases by the use of flimsy cardboard booths that did not ensure voters’ privacy, ballot boxes that in some instances were no more than see-through bags, and ink that did not show up immediately on the voter’s finger, thus allowing him or her to vote more than once. A total of 102 polling stations had been set up in inappropriate venues, such as private homes or nightclubs. There was also some uncertainty surrounding the eligibility requirements for candidates and the arbitrary exclusion of some candidates.16 The national turnout rate of just 18 per cent was even lower in the capital and was highlighted as a cause for concern. 59. In the light of such serious irregularities, the aforementioned national observers called for an earnest and independent investigation of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and for a thorough review of the election process to be conducted with an eye to establishing responsibilities, remedying errors and creating a climate of trust in support of future elections.17 60. This call was heard, at least in part, by the Government and by CEP, and the elections on 25 October took place in more favourable conditions. The turnout rate was 25 per cent. According to the Election Observation Coalition, made up of the three nongovernmental groupings mentioned earlier plus a fourth one (Solidarité Fanm Ayisyèn), CEP took into consideration some of the Coalition’s recommendations, in particular with regard to preparations for the balloting. Specifically, accreditations were issued sufficiently in advance, election materials were available at most of the polling stations, the national police ensured proper security during the voting and most of the polling station committees included at least one woman.18 61. At the same time, however, the Election Observation Coalition drew attention to several irregularities that had led it to conclude that those efforts were not enough to be able to say that the 25 October elections had been conducted in accordance with democratic principles. Among the practices reported were that polling stations had again been set up in private establishments, voting booths did not ensure privacy and the ink used could be 16 17 18 GE.16-01946 National Network for the Defence of Human Rights, National Election Observation Council and Haitian Council of Non-State Actors, “Rapport sur le premier tour des élections législatives partielles”(Report on first round of partial legislative elections), Port-au-Prince, 25 August 2015. See http://touthaiti.com/touthaiti-actualites/4549-election-9-aout-2015-rapport-complet-sur-le-premiertour-des-elections-legislatives-partielles-rnddh-cno-conhane. Ibid., p. 57. Solidarité Fanm Ayisyèn, National Election Observation Council, Haitian Council of Non-State Actors and National Network for the Defence of Human Rights, “Scrutin du 25 octobre 2015: une vaste opération de fraude électorale planifiée” (Elections of 25 October 2015: massive, planned electoral fraud), Port-au-Prince, 12 November 2015, p. 46 (http://touthaiti.com/touthaitiactualites/4664-rapport-complet-scrutin-du-25-octobre-2015-une-vaste-operation-de-fraudeelectorale-planifiee-rnddh-et-la-coalition-des-observateurs). 11