Elections: OAS Relaunches Universal Civil Identity Program in the Americas (PUICA) for Haitians

On May 6, 2026, OAS Secretary General-elect Albert Ramdin presented today before the Permanent Council the five priority areas of the Organization’s action in Haiti: political facilitation, election preparation with PUICA, security support, international coordination, and strengthening of the OAS institutional presence in the country.

Among the key elements mentioned is the continuation of the PUICA identification project (Universal Civil Identity Program in the Americas), considered essential to enable Haitian citizens to obtain the identity cards necessary to participate in future elections. The OAS also affirms its continued technical support to the Provisional Electoral Council in the context of electoral preparations.

Albert Ramdin also emphasizes that progress has been made through dialogue with Haitian actors, CARICOM, the United Nations, and several member states, in order to maintain a certain institutional continuity and encourage a Haitian-led transition.

On the security front, the OAS highlights its support for strengthening police capacities, maritime and port security initiatives, as well as coordination around the roadmap and Dashboard for Haiti.

Finally, the Organization announces the strengthening of its institutional presence with the creation of a Special OAS Mission for Haiti, led by Alberto Föhrig.

This communication comes at a time when discussions around elections in Haiti remain linked to security challenges, the issue of national identification, and the capacity of institutions to organize a credible and inclusive election.

Editorial staff