Haiti’s executive modifies electoral council mandate, election timeline to be revised
The executive branch in Haiti has adopted a decree during a cabinet meeting on March 20, 2026, introducing changes to the mandate of the Provisional Electoral Council of Haiti (CEP).
The decree instructs the electoral body to implement Articles 12 and 14 of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections. These provisions concern limited changes to the country’s core legal framework and their ratification by popular vote during the first round of elections.
According to a source within the CEP, the new decision will affect several aspects of the electoral process, including the electoral calendar, the electoral decree, and the operational budget.
“The council will need to work on a new electoral decree. The calendar will also be modified,” the source said, adding that it remains uncertain whether voter registration will begin on April 1, 2026 as originally planned.
The development raises fresh uncertainty about the timeline for organizing long-awaited elections in Haiti.
During the recent transfer of authority from the Presidential Transitional Council to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, the United States had expressed readiness to support the Haitian government in stabilizing the country and organizing general elections, though without mentioning constitutional revisions.
Regarding constitutional reform, the source at the electoral council clarified that the institution will not be involved in drafting any proposed changes. Its role will be limited to enabling the population to vote on the proposed amendments.
Meanwhile, preparations for the electoral process continue. The CEP is expected to publish the official list of political parties eligible to participate in the upcoming elections on March 26. Around 320 political parties registered two weeks ago and are currently undergoing verification using data from Haiti’s Ministry of Justice.
On March 23, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé chaired a meeting focused on the proposed budget for organizing the 2026 general elections.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the meeting brought together members of the government, the electoral council, and several international partners, including Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti. Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the Organization of American States (OAS) also participated.
Officials said the meeting reflects the government’s determination to organize free, inclusive, credible, and transparent elections while restoring constitutional order in the country.
