CARICOM Group Raises Alarm Over Election Prep
The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group visited Haiti from September 2nd to 9th, meeting with political parties, civil society, business leaders, and the Gang Suppression Force ahead of Haiti’s first round of elections scheduled for December 13th.
The group noted progress toward reviving Haiti’s election process for the first time in over a decade, but flagged concerns over new requirements under an amended Electoral Decree, calling several measures unwieldy and burdensome. Stakeholders pointed to the heavy documentation required of candidates and a voter registration process falling short of expectations, hampered by territories outside state control.
Some parties called for procedural changes that could require delaying the December 13th date, though stakeholders broadly expressed a desire for fair, credible elections to end Haiti’s prolonged transitional governance.
Security remains a central concern. The group cited a recent spike in violence and kidnappings, along with delays in deploying the Gang Suppression Force, stressing that a secure environment is essential for voter registration, campaigning, and safe voting nationwide.
CARICOM called on international partners to move quickly on pledged security support tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2793, describing Haiti as being at a critical juncture.