Haiti approves 282 political parties for elections amid security concerns

Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has approved 282 political parties and coalitions to participate in upcoming elections, marking a step forward in a long-delayed electoral process unfolding amid deep insecurity and political uncertainty.

The list, published following a 10-day registration period that ended March 12, saw 320 organisations apply, including most major political parties and political platforms.

However, notable absences include Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale (PHTK), the party of former President Michel Joseph Martelly, as well as the Résistance Démocratique (RED) platform, which includes former officials allied with the late President Jovenel Moïse.

Among those cleared to participate are Fanmi Lavalas, led by former President Jean‑Bertrand Aristide; the Organisation du Peuple en Lutte (OPL); Pitit Dessalines; Les Engagés pour le Développement (EDE), led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; and Ayiti An Aksyon (AAA), led by former Senator Youri Latortue.

The CEP said parties not yet approved have until April 2 to complete their registration, meaning the list could still expand.

“The Provisional Electoral Council reaffirms its commitment to conducting an inclusive and impartial electoral process, with full independence and transparency,” the council said in a statement.

Under the electoral calendar, voter registration is scheduled to run from April 1 to June 29, followed by candidate registration from April 13 to May 15. Campaigning for the first round of legislative and presidential elections is expected to take place from May through late August.

Despite this progress, key issues remain unresolved, including the total cost of the elections and how they will be financed.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils‑Aimé met with electoral officials and international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office for Project Services and the Organization of American States, to discuss funding.

Jacques Desrosiers, president of the CEP, said both financing and improved security are prerequisites for credible elections — the first in more than a decade.

However, Fils-Aimé expressed confidence that the vote will proceed.

“The elections will be held,” he said following the meeting. “Their success is a historic and collective responsibility. Since February 7, 2026, Haiti has entered a new phase of transition, structured around a clear roadmap: restoring security, rebuilding the economy, and organising general elections.”

Holding elections remains a major challenge as violence continues to disrupt daily life. Armed groups, including Viv Ansanm, control large sections of Port‑au‑Prince and key national roads, limiting movement and potentially restricting access to polling sites.

According to the United Nations, more than 1.4 million people have been displaced by violence. Many have also lost identification documents issued by the National Identification Office, complicating voter registration.

Security forces say operations are ongoing. The Haitian National Police reported that 43 suspected gang members were killed during 32 operations in the first quarter of 2026, along with major seizures of weapons and ammunition.

Authorities also plan to deploy additional personnel, including members of Haiti’s armed forces, to support police operations and secure voting areas.

“The army’s strengthening aims to help secure the environment for elections this year,” Defence Minister Mario Andrésol said during a visit to a military base in Léogâne.

Meanwhile, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya since 2024, is gradually scaling down as some contingents return home. Authorities say the mission will transition to a new force, with Chad expected to deploy up to 800 personnel by April 15.

Despite these efforts, critics say security conditions on the ground have shown little improvement, raising doubts about whether elections can be conducted safely and credibly.

For now, the approval of political parties marks progress on paper — but the broader conditions needed for a successful vote remain uncertain.