PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A significant milestone has been reached as a record 280 political parties registered by the March 12 deadline to participate in Haiti’s first general election in a decade. However, not all of these parties will secure a position in the impending electoral process, heightening the competitive atmosphere among candidates.
### New Hope Amidst Crisis
Excitement filled the air as newly formed parties rallied outside the headquarters of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council. Members of CAHDOA, the Collective of Haitian Actors for Development and Alternative Organization, paraded with a marching band, expressing their enthusiasm with chants and music. Party representative Abel Decollines emphasized the necessity for public participation in the elections, stating, “Today the country needs a new leader to allow the population to breathe.”
Another notable registration came from the EDE party, which is spearheaded by Claude Joseph, the former prime minister who held office when President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July 2021. Joseph, appearing with his supporters in green and white attire, solemnly made his way to the election council, underscoring the urgency for political reform. He articulated through social media that EDE advocates for the termination of political domination in Haiti, a situation he claims stems from unsuccessful political transitions.
### Challenges Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the party registrations, significant questions loom over the feasibility of the elections. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé currently governs Haiti alone, following the resignation of a transitional presidential council earlier this year. Officials had projected electoral events to occur in late August, with a runoff in December; however, the timeline has shifted to indicate that the first round may occur by the end of 2023.
Persistent gang violence poses substantial threats to the electoral process. More than 5,900 homicides were reported last year, with over 2,700 individuals injured, according to United Nations statistics. This crisis is compounded by the displacement of approximately 1.4 million people in a nation of nearly 12 million, with armed gangs now controlling an estimated 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Decollines articulated the dire need for security, stating, “The people in charge need to provide security so campaigning can take place and people can choose who will govern them.”
Dalouce Désir, a member of the EDE party, expressed unwavering belief in democracy despite the evident insecurity. “It’s a fact that the county is insecure, no one can deny that, but no matter what, there must be an election,” he stated firmly.
The Provisional Electoral Council has indicated that it will publish a final list of eligible political parties by March 26, although criteria for this selection have yet to be disclosed. As Haiti moves closer to the electoral date, the dynamics and challenges of the political landscape will continue to evolve, leaving the nation in anticipation of change amidst ongoing turmoil.
Source reference: Full report
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