Haiti’s Electoral Council advances preparations despite declaring elections ‘impossible’

Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is pressing ahead with technical preparations for future elections — including drafting an electoral decree and recruiting election agents — even after declaring that it’s “impossible” to hold a vote under the country’s current conditions.

The CEP said the draft decree will outline the rules and procedures for organizing elections once the country is safe and stable enough to ensure a credible process.

“After the publications, we will be underway,” CEP President Jacques Desrosiers said. “But for now, we still do not know how much money we will need for the elections.”

The proposed decree would define eligibility criteria, polling organization, and ballot-counting procedures. Political parties and civil society groups have until November 10 to submit written feedback before the document is sent to the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) for publication in Le Moniteur, Haiti’s official gazette.

Desrosiers said the CEP is also preparing an electoral calendar and budget plan. While the government has pledged to fund the process, international partners may also contribute, though no commitments have been finalized.

The joint electoral fund managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) currently holds about $63 million, Desrosiers noted. On October 17, the CPT announced the disbursement of nearly $65 million for the elections, including 3 billion gourdes—about $23 million—earmarked for political party support in the 2025–2026 national budget.

CPT President Laurent Saint-Cyr said the funds would help electoral institutions operate, deploy staff, and cover logistics. He reaffirmed that holding credible elections remains a national priority.

“Haitians must be able to freely choose their leaders in a transparent process,” Saint-Cyr said. “We are ready to engage in dialogue with all those who want to help the country achieve that goal.”

Despite these efforts, the security situation remains dire. Nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince is under gang control, with armed groups expanding into towns like Montrouis and Désarmes in the Artibonite region. More than 1.4 million people remain displaced and unable to return home.

Adding to the uncertainty, gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, who heads the “Viv Ansanm” coalition, posted a video warning that no elections would take place without the gangs’ consent — underscoring the fragile environment facing any political transition.

For now, the CEP continues its work — drafting plans, holding consultations, and preparing for elections that, by its own admission, cannot yet be held.