Overview:
The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in Haiti released a draft electoral decree outlining the rules for future elections, even after declaring that organizing a vote before 2026 is impossible. The move signals that technical preparations continue, though insecurity and limited funds remain major obstacles.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is moving forward with technical preparations for future elections — including drafting an electoral decree and recruiting election agents — even after officially declaring that it’s “impossible” to hold a vote under current conditions
Haiti’s electoral council said ongoing violence and lack of funds make holding elections ‘materially impossible,’ an apparent failure in filling the mandate that ushered in the transitional government
The CEP said the draft decree will lay out the rules and procedures for organizing elections once the country is safe and stable enough for a credible vote.
“After the publications, we will be underway,” said CEP president Jacques Desrosiers. “But for now, we still do not know how much money we will need for the elections.”
The draft, once finalized, would guide the electoral process by defining eligibility criteria, the organization of polling, and how ballots will be counted. Political parties and civil society groups have until Nov. 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.
In a statement, the CEP said political parties and civil society organizations have until Nov. 10 to submit their feedback. After that, the decree will be sent to the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) for publication in Le Moniteur, the government’s official gazette.
“After the publications, we will be underway. But for now, we still do not know how much money we will need for the elections.”
Jacques Desrosiers, Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), president
Desrosiers said the CEP is also preparing an electoral calendar and a budget plan. He confirmed that the government has promised to fund the process and that international partners might help, although no formal commitments have been made.
The joint electoral fund managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) currently holds about $63 million, according to Desrosiers. On Oct. 17, the CPT announced a disbursement of nearly $65 million for the elections, including 3 billion gourdes—approximately $23 million—allocated for political party support in the 2025–2026 national budget.
CPT president Laurent Saint-Cyr said the funds would help the electoral institutions function, deploy staff and cover logistics. He also said the elections remain a national priority and must take place in a safe and credible environment.
“Haitians must be able to freely choose their leaders in a transparent process,” said Saint-Cyr. “We are ready to engage in dialogue with all those who want to help the country achieve that goal.”.
Despite these talks and uncoordinated actions, the security situation continues to worsen. Nearly 90% of the capital is still under gang control, and violent groups have expanded to towns like Montrouis and Désarmes in the Artibonite region. More than 1.4 million displaced people remain unable to return home.
In a video posted on social media, gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, who leads the “Viv Ansanm” coalition, warned that no elections will happen without the gangs’ consent — a sign of the growing threat to any political process.
For now, the CEP continues its work — drafting plans, holding consultations and preparing for elections that, by its own admission, cannot yet be held.
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