The United Nations warns Haiti could see a resurgence of violence as the nation gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections.
In a report issued Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says Haiti is at a critical juncture, as the country prepares for its first set of elections since the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February, 2004.
He says the security environment has improved in recent months, but the elections process would still benefit from outside assistance on security measures. The report says elections must not be tainted by candidates seen by the public as criminals, or by funds of dubious origin.
Elections were scheduled for November this year, but officials say the date could be pushed back to December due to delays in preparation.