Haiti opens political party registration as presidential elections move closer

Haiti has formally begun preparations for long-awaited presidential elections, with the country’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announcing Monday that it has opened registration for political parties, alliances and other stakeholders.

The Provisional Electoral Council said the registration process will run until March 12, in keeping with Article 143 of the Electoral Decree dated December 1, 2025.

Official representatives of political organizations are required to appear at the CEP’s central office with documentation outlined in the decree. Required documents include notarized articles of incorporation, official recognition of the party, party statutes, and minutes from the most recent general assembly or congress appointing the executive committee.

Political party groups or alliances must also submit notarized incorporation documents, statutes and objectives, along with a list of member parties that have signed a notarized agreement. Additionally, alliances must provide documentation confirming agreement on the use of a single emblem and minutes from each member party’s most recent congress appointing its executive leadership.

The move marks a significant step toward holding Haiti’s first presidential elections since 2016, when Jovenel Moïse was elected. Moïse was assassinated at his private residence in July 2021, plunging the country into deeper political instability. Haiti has not held national elections since April 2024 and has been governed by interim arrangements.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said last week that he remains confident elections will be held by year’s end, once security conditions allow.

Speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in St. Kitts and Nevis, Fils-Aimé said political actors have made progress toward consensus.

“We are heading to the elections. We have found an agreement between Haitians and we have decided that we are moving forward,” he said, noting that most major political parties have signed an accord aimed at ensuring stability and unified participation in the electoral process.

He added that the first round of elections is expected before the end of the year, contingent on improved security.

During the four-day regional summit, Caricom’s Eminent Persons Group (EPG), chaired by former St. Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, presented an update on Haiti’s political, security and humanitarian situation.

Caricom Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew said regional leaders reiterated their commitment to restoring peace and stability in Haiti and expressed support for the Haitian government’s framework to improve security and facilitate elections.

Drew also noted the EPG’s appreciation to the Government of Kenya for leading the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission, which has since transitioned into the Gang Suppression Force.

Regional leaders, he said, remain steadfast in backing Haiti’s path toward credible elections and constitutional order.