标签： Haiti

In a significant stride toward restoring constitutional governance, Haiti’s government has unveiled comprehensive electoral reforms during the 29th edition of the ‘Tuesdays of the Nation’ forum on December 2nd, 2025. Minister Delegate Joseph André Gracien Jean, overseeing electoral and constitutional affairs, detailed the administration’s progress in implementing the April 3rd, 2024 Agreement framework.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s administration demonstrated unwavering commitment to organizing credible elections through two pivotal actions: the full mobilization of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the unanimous adoption of the Electoral Decree by the Council of Ministers on December 1st. This legislative instrument marks a crucial milestone in Haiti’s political renewal process.

The newly ratified decree introduces several groundbreaking provisions designed to transform Haiti’s electoral landscape. These innovations mandate 50% female representation in all decision-making positions, establishing one of the Caribbean’s most progressive gender quotas. The reform package further includes comprehensive updating of the electoral register under CEP supervision and strategic decentralization of tabulation centers across all ten departments to enhance transparency.

Notably, the electoral framework expands democratic participation through two key mechanisms: formalized diaspora voting rights and innovative recruitment of polling staff from National Service (NS4) students, women’s organizations, and civil society groups. These measures aim to broaden electoral integrity and public trust.

Concurrently, the government is implementing an extensive capacity-building program for political organizations, with over 100 parties currently receiving structured training across multiple departments. Minister Jean characterized these reforms as foundational to rebuilding Haiti’s nation-state infrastructure and modernizing its democratic institutions for long-term stability.

Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), commenced a pivotal two-day official visit to Haiti on December 2-3, 2025, marking his first diplomatic engagement with the Caribbean nation since assuming office. The high-level mission, involving extensive discussions with Haitian transitional leadership, focused on addressing the nation’s multifaceted crisis through coordinated regional support.

Ramdin’s delegation received an official welcome in Cap-Haitien from senior Haitian officials including the Director of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Departmental Delegate, the Mayor, and police leadership before proceeding to the capital. In Port-au-Prince, the OAS delegation engaged in substantive talks with the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) at the Villa d’Accueil, where Council President Laurent Saint-Cyr expressed appreciation for the OAS’s sustained commitment to Haiti’s stabilization, particularly regarding the finalization of the political roadmap.

The dialogue centered on Haiti’s critical security situation as an essential precondition for credible elections, with both parties acknowledging recent progress including the adoption of the electoral decree. Discussions comprehensively addressed governance challenges, stability mechanisms, and electoral preparations, all contingent upon restoring national security. The conversation also examined the impending expiration of the CPT’s mandate in February 2026.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened a working session with the OAS delegation, detailing advancements in combating insecurity through enhanced operational capabilities of national forces and systematic measures to neutralize armed groups. The Prime Minister formally requested OAS member state support to strengthen the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) as a cornerstone of territorial security strategy, emphasizing that security restoration remains the administration’s paramount priority for enabling successful elections.

Secretary General Ramdin commended the Haitian government’s publication of the Electoral Decree as a concrete and decisive step toward credible, inclusive democratic elections. He reaffirmed the OAS’s unwavering support for institutional stability during this critical juncture. The Prime Minister additionally highlighted the severe humanitarian situation, seeking OAS assistance for socialization, reintegration, and community support programs vital for social fabric reconstruction and sustainable peace.

The first day concluded with an official reception honoring Ramdin at Pétion-ville’s El Rancho Hotel, attended by key governmental figures. The Secretary General’s itinerary included operational reviews at the OAS National Office, coordination with the Provisional Electoral Council and technical teams, and strategic meetings with international partners including the Pan American Development Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Bank representatives to align institutional, technical and security support.

The mission also featured field assessments in Morne Casse, where Ramdin inspected the Tactical Center—a critical infrastructure enhancing security force capabilities—accompanied by the Justice Minister. Further site visits included the modernized Terrier Rouge police station, demonstrating infrastructure modernization efforts, and the National Identification Office, underscoring comprehensive approach to Haiti’s stabilization.

In a landmark development for Haiti’s political landscape, the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) has unanimously ratified an electoral decree during a pivotal Council of Ministers session on December 1st. The meeting, presided over by CPT President pro tempore Laurent Saint Cyr and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé alongside government members, represents a decisive advancement toward organizing national elections despite internal political divisions.

The adoption occurred notwithstanding the notable absence of three Councilors—Fritz Alphonse Jean, Edgard Leblanc Fils, and Leslie Voltaire—who maintain their position advocating for the Prime Minister’s resignation. This absence highlights persistent tensions within the transitional government structure.

President Saint Cyr heralded the decree as a fundamental commitment to enabling the Haitian populace to “freely and responsibly choose those who will lead them.” He emphasized that this legislative milestone, coupled with ongoing security restoration efforts, demonstrates the government’s dedication to reestablishing democratic legitimacy and stability.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and cabinet members underscored their determination to implement comprehensive measures ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and secure electoral process. The ratified decree meticulously outlines procedures, deadlines, and operational mechanisms necessary for expediting representative elections to consolidate democratic foundations.

The Prime Minister declared electoral organization an “absolute priority,” confirming that all state resources would be mobilized toward this objective. The imminent publication of the Electoral Decree in Le Moniteur, Haiti’s official gazette, is characterized as a potent signal to both the nation and international community regarding Haiti’s return to democratic governance.

This official publication will enable the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to subsequently release the detailed electoral calendar through the same official channel. The Council of Ministers concluded proceedings by affirming the “irreversible” nature of the electoral path and pledging continued cooperation with national institutions and international partners to meticulously adhere to established electoral timelines.