Haiti Elections: CEP and Private Sector Discuss Key Challenges Ahead of Vote

Electoral authorities and private sector hold strategic talks

The Provisional Electoral Council of Haiti (CEP) held a meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, with representatives of the private business sector in Pétion-Ville to discuss preparations for the country’s upcoming elections.

Several major business organizations participated in the discussions, including the Association des Industries d’Haïti (ADIH), the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AMCHAM), the Chambre Franco-Haïtienne de Commerce et d’Industrie (CFHCI), the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Haïtiano-Canadienne (CCIHC), and the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de l’Ouest (CCIO).

The meeting aimed to review key aspects of the electoral process and strengthen coordination between electoral authorities and economic stakeholders.

Security and funding remain key conditions

The session was opened by CEP President Jacques Desrosiers, who framed the discussions around a “patriotic and responsible commitment” to ensure the success of the electoral process.

He was joined by electoral adviser Yves Marie Edouard. According to the CEP, other council members are currently on official missions both within Haiti and abroad.

Desrosiers emphasized two essential conditions for holding elections:

• The establishment of an acceptable security environment

• The availability of sufficient financial resources to carry out electoral operations

These factors remain critical as Haiti continues to face significant political and security challenges.
Electoral process and key concerns discussed

During the meeting, CEP officials presented several elements related to the electoral process, including:

• Key provisions of the electoral decree published on December 1, 2025

• Progress on the electoral calendar

• Procedures for voter registration

Participants also raised a number of concerns, including:

• The requirement of a discharge certificate for former public fund managers

• The situation of individuals sanctioned by the United Nations and foreign states

• The level of citizen participation in elections

The use of the national identification card issued by the Office National d’Identification (ONI)

Technical clarifications and continued dialogue

Several CEP officials provided detailed responses to the issues raised, including:

• Jean Roger Philippe Augustin, Executive Director

• Jean Marie Rémy, Head of the Electoral Registry

• Joubert Pollas Junior, Director of Programming and Planning

At the conclusion of the meeting, Jacques Desrosiers thanked participants for their contributions and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with all sectors of national life.

He reaffirmed the CEP’s commitment to organizing elections that are inclusive, transparent, and credible, in an effort to strengthen public trust in the democratic process.