| Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 6, 2006 Question Taken at the February 6, 2006 Press Briefing Haiti: U.S. Support for Democratic InstitutionsQuestion: What has the United States done to promote democratic institutions in Haiti? Is U.S. assistance supporting voting infrastructure needs only, or are political parties being supported as well? Answer: There should be no doubt that the United States is strongly committed to promoting democratic institutions in Haiti. Our efforts focus on three major areas: reinforcing government ministries, strengthening civil society, and supporting election preparations. We provide technical assistance to key ministries, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health, to reinforce their capacity to attend to public needs. USAID programs also support civil society organizations, as well as the media, to increase their ability to act as a democratizing force. For instance, we helped build a network of 41 community radio stations. We have provided $30 million to support the electoral process, including support to the Provisional Electoral Council and international/domestic observers. We also strengthen political parties’ role in the democratic process by funding political party logistical centers. 2006/153
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