The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) visited Haiti from 2-9 September 2026 and held discussions with a large number, and broad range, of political and civil society stakeholders including the business community, youth, women and human rights organisations, key government institutions and the leadership of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The visit of the EPG also provided a timely opportunity to assess the political conjuncture and to engage in dialogue on the preparations for the first round of elections scheduled for 13 December 2026.
The EPG observed several positive developments, including the work being undertaken to reignite an election process after more than ten years. The EPG noted that political parties were in various stages of preparation to participate in the forthcoming elections, including by forming political groupings.
Stakeholders also expressed their views and concerns on the new measures required by the amended Electoral Decree. They claimed that many of these measures were unwieldy and onerous. They were particularly concerned by the number of documents candidates were required to provide to the Electoral Council (CEP) and the slow pace of the registration of electors. It was drawn to the attention of the EPG that the voter registration process was not meeting expectations. The process was constricted by the existence of territories beyond state control. Many of the stakeholders emphasized the need for greater public sensitisation on the process and wider availability of registration centres,
Though striving to comply with the demands required to participate in the elections, a number of parties called for modification of some of the procedures and requirements that might necessitate a deferment of the December 13 election date. Stakeholders however expressed a yearning for fair, credible, impartial and inclusive elections to bring an end to the successive transitional arrangements that have been an unwelcome feature of the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.
The security situation remains of particular concern. The EPG noted the recent spread and spike in deadly violence and kidnappings, as well as the challenges contributing to the slow deployment of the GSF. In their discussions, all stakeholders underscored the critical importance of ensuring a security environment that will allow for country-wide registration of voters, political campaigning, freedom of movement and for citizens to vote safely. Deployment of the additional forces and resources pledged by various countries and strategic operational coordination among these and the Haitian security forces are of paramount importance in achieving this objective.
Haiti is at a critical juncture. With important steps being taken by Haitians towards stability and a return to democratic governance in their country, the EPG calls on international partners to refocus efforts to deliver with despatch on security commitments made to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2793.
14 September 2026
