OBGD demands a comprehensive evaluation of the Haitian electoral process

Changes to the decree and lower fees

The legal framework has undergone two successive modifications, promulgated on July 2 and October 5, 2026, respectively. The first provision revised the criteria for voting participation, increased the power of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in vetting party members, and guaranteed a proportion of at least 30% women. The second modification structured the internal operations of the CEP, requiring a plenary meeting to be held every week with at least six members present, followed by an official press release.

The financial scale for registration fees has been significantly lowered: the fee for a presidential candidacy drops from 2 million to 1 million gourdes, that for the Senate goes down from 800,000 to 400,000 gourdes, and the fee for the Chamber of Deputies falls from 300,000 to 100,000 gourdes. An additional 50% discount is granted to female candidates. Furthermore, the requirement to prove annual payment of tax dues as demanded by article 76 has been removed, although the principle of being in good standing with the tax authorities remains mandatory.

Reshuffling of the electoral calendar

The schedule of operations has undergone several adjustments, with successive postponements announced on September 2 and then September 16. A final rescheduling on October 5 pushed the deadline for online registration and the submission of candidate files to October 31, 2026, while the period for electoral campaigning was postponed.

Recommendations for the vote

In order to preserve the political rights of the population and guarantee credible elections, the O.B.G.D. recommends setting an achievable schedule. The structure also asks for a clear determination of the level of security essential for holding the operations and a precise definition of the missions assigned to each institution involved.