标签： Haiti

Haiti is navigating a critical juncture in its political and social spheres, with significant developments in governance, justice, and humanitarian efforts. Patrick Pélissier, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, has emphasized stringent measures to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. A budget of 3 billion gourdes has been allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund political parties, with a firm stance that only candidates demonstrating exemplary moral conduct will be permitted to participate. This move aims to curb the influence of illicit funds in campaign financing and restore public trust in the electoral process.

In a separate but equally pressing matter, Officer Sévère Aly, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in police custody, has been referred to the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH) for an administrative hearing. Following the hearing, he was transferred to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), marking the transition from an administrative investigation to a formal judicial inquiry. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability within law enforcement.

Amidst these developments, the European Union has released €2 million in humanitarian aid to support communities affected by Haiti’s escalating gang violence. The funds will be directed toward providing food aid and assistance to displaced persons, addressing the urgent needs of those forced to flee their homes due to the crisis.

On the diplomatic front, Anthony Dessources, Haiti’s Ambassador to Canada, met with students from the University of Ottawa Student Club (CEHUO) on October 30, 2025. The meeting highlighted the club’s efforts to promote Haitian values and support Haitian students at the university. Ambassador Dessources expressed his commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Haitian diplomatic mission and student organizations in Canada.

In a significant humanitarian initiative, the FAES distributed 15,000 hot meals to internally displaced persons in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville on November 1, 2025, as part of its Kantin Mobil (KM) program. The meals were distributed across multiple locations, reaffirming FAES’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations with dignity and consistency.

In a significant move to bolster national security, Haiti has appointed Divisional Commissioner Pierre Louis Cangé as the new Coordinator of Presidential Security. The official ceremony took place on November 3rd, 2025, at the National Palace, presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Mr. André Jonas Vladimir Paraison. Cangé was promoted to the rank of Inspector General during the event, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The occasion was attended by prominent figures, including Inspector General Jean Maurest Étienne, Director of Personnel, and Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival, Central Director of Administrative Police, alongside National Palace staff and police officers. Post-ceremony, Commander Paraison and Director Orival introduced Cangé to the Secretary General of the National Palace, Ms. Marie Élisabeth Régine Joseph Haddad, who commended Paraison’s achievements and extended her support to the newly appointed Coordinator. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to enhancing security measures at the highest levels of government.

As Haiti prepares for its 2025 elections, a critical gap in the draft Electoral Decree has raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. The current draft, under public consultation, lacks specific provisions to address online disinformation, social media-sponsored campaigns, and the protection of candidates from cyber harassment. This oversight poses a significant threat to the credibility and fairness of the elections, particularly in a nation where 2.65 million active social media users—representing 22.4% of the total population and 35.4% of adults—rely heavily on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok for political engagement. Without regulation, the electoral process is vulnerable to manipulation, opaque financing, and cyberviolence, which could undermine public trust and democratic stability. Key risks include the rapid spread of rumors, deepfakes, and falsified content; untraceable political advertising; harassment of candidates, especially women; and the erosion of voter confidence. To address these challenges, experts recommend integrating a clear legal framework into the Electoral Decree, mandating transparency for sponsored messages, and establishing a National Digital Electoral Monitoring Unit to detect and respond to threats swiftly. These measures, aligned with international best practices, aim to safeguard the right to information, ensure campaign transparency, and protect democratic participation. The author, Jean Marie Altéma, a specialist in digital strategy and governance, urges electoral authorities, policymakers, media, civil society, and international partners to act urgently to preserve the integrity of Haiti’s elections and uphold democratic peace.