PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — An unprecedented 280 political parties met Thursday’s registration deadline to compete in Haiti’s upcoming general election, marking the nation’s first such contest in ten years, though not every group will qualify for the ballot.
Despite this uncertainty, newly formed parties celebrated the opportunity, expressing optimism about addressing their nation’s ongoing struggles with widespread gang violence and government corruption.
CAHDOA, which stands for Collective of Haitian Actors for Development and Alternative Organization and was established just one year ago, arrived at Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council building accompanied by musicians.
The sound of vuvuzelas filled the air while supporters applauded and shouted, “We are on board!”
CAHDOA representative Abel Decollines expressed his desire for widespread voter participation in the upcoming election.
“Today the country needs a new leader to allow the population to breathe,” he said.
The EDE party, known as Committed to Development, also completed their registration Thursday. The organization was established by Claude Joseph, who served as prime minister during the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse at his home in July 2021.
Joseph and his followers wore green and white clothing while walking quietly toward the election council building.
On social media platform X, Joseph stated his party supports ending political dominance in Haiti “characterized by the failure of eternal political transitions.”
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé currently serves as Haiti’s sole leader after being selected by a transitional presidential council that disbanded in early February as legally required.
Government leaders initially announced plans to conduct elections in late August with a potential runoff in early December, though the prime minister has recently indicated the initial voting round would occur before the year concludes.
Skeptics question whether this timeline is realistic given continuing gang-related violence.
“The people in charge need to provide security so campaigning can take place and people can choose who will govern them,” Decollines said.
United Nations data shows more than 5,900 deaths and over 2,700 injuries occurred throughout Haiti last year.
Criminal gangs have also forced a record 1.4 million residents from their homes in the nation of approximately 12 million people, with armed groups maintaining control over roughly 90% of the capital city Port-au-Prince.
“It’s a fact that the county is insecure, no one can deny that, but no matter what, there must be an election,” said Dalouce Désir, a member of EDE, which was founded four years ago. “We believe in the election, and we believe in democracy.”
Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council plans to release the official roster of approved political parties by March 26, though specific qualification standards have not been disclosed.
