Haiti judicial council warns magistrates against political involvement

The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) is reminding magistrates across Haiti that they are prohibited from engaging in political activities, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary sanctions.

In a resolution dated February 10, 2026, the council said any political involvement by judges is likely to compromise their impartiality and undermine public confidence in the judicial system. It stressed that magistrates are bound by a “strict obligation of discretion and political neutrality,” as outlined in the Constitution, the law establishing the CSPJ, the statute governing the judiciary and the Code of Ethics for Magistrates.

The council noted that independence and impartiality remain “cardinal principles of the judicial function,” adding that participation in political affairs could affect both the credibility and integrity of the judicial institution. It said maintaining public trust requires judges to remain outside the political arena at all times.

Under the resolution, all judges at every level of the court system are required to refrain from political participation and avoid any behavior, statement or action that could undermine their duty of impartiality or harm the image and dignity of the judiciary. The CSPJ also warned that any failure to comply with these obligations will subject magistrates to disciplinary sanctions in accordance with applicable laws.

The measure was finalized in Pétion-Ville and signed by CSPJ President Jean-Joseph Lebrun, Vice-President Barthélemy Alténor and council members Carves Jean, Noé Pierre-Louis Massillon, Wando Saint-Villier, Lionel Constant Bourgoin, Erode Bazile and Jude Thimogène.