The Prime Minister never misses an opportunity to state that elections will take place in the country, no matter what. However, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and his government are delaying the publication of the draft electoral decree, which would allow for a projected date for these competitions. Questioned by Le Nouvelliste regarding this delay, the Secretary of State for Communication informed that the head of the Primature is currently conducting consultations on the document.
Since April 24, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has submitted a draft electoral decree to the government that incorporates the provisions of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections regarding constitutional changes. Nearly a month later, the executive branch has yet to pass judgment on the text. “The draft electoral decree is currently under study,” the Secretary of State for Communication stated.
Contacted by phone on Tuesday, May 19, by Le Nouvelliste, Jean Willio Patrick Chrispin reported to the newspaper that the Prime Minister is holding consultations on the document. “The Prime Minister has met with members of the political sector, the private sector, and civil society organizations to discuss the draft electoral decree in order to yield an inclusive decree with everyone’s participation,” the Secretary of State explained, noting that meetings are ongoing.
Mr. Chrispin, who was unable to confirm whether the government intends to amend the draft decree at the end of these consultations, nevertheless specified that the Prime Minister agrees with Article 139 of the document. This article requires political structures to submit 30,000 registered members to the CEP before being allowed to field candidates in the upcoming elections.
Without providing a specific date, the Secretary of State for Communication indicated that the draft electoral decree will soon be published in the official gazette, Le Moniteur. “The government is in electoral mode; now we must provide the CEP with the necessary means to do its job, and the electoral decree is part of those means,” he said.
Sources contacted within the CEP emphasized to the newspaper that the electoral institution can only await the government’s decision on the draft decree. However, they stressed that this delay will have repercussions on the electoral calendar. Without the publication of the document, the CEP cannot officially set a date for the ballot.
During an interview granted to Le Nouvelliste last week, the Prime Minister expressed his wish to see the first round of elections organized before the end of the year. Nevertheless, in his recent public stances, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé insists that the elections will take place “no matter what,” without providing a date. An electoral advisor previously indicated to the newspaper that “it is technically possible for the CEP to organize these elections as early as next November, provided, however, that security is restored and the necessary funds are available.” While awaiting the restoration of security in the country, the executive branch is delaying the validation of the draft decree and the electoral budget sent by the Electoral Council.
