Voter registration officially began on Thursday in Haiti’s capital and surrounding regions, marking a significant milestone in the government's push to hold general elections. The process is moving forward despite persistent concerns regarding widespread gang violence that has gripped the nation for years.
The government has opened 10 registration centers across Port-au-Prince, specifically targeting neighborhoods considered to be generally safe, where dozens of hopeful citizens have begun to trickle through to register.
For many, the registration process is a rare opportunity to engage with the political future of the country. Vadley Bernadel, a 34-year-old construction worker, noted that this may be the first time he has ever voted. He expressed a desire for a leader with a clear vision who can guide the country in a better direction, citing the multiple crises currently facing Haiti.
The nation has not held general elections in more than a decade, and it has been without a president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse at his private residence in July 2021.
Despite the ongoing instability, the country's unelected prime minister remains under significant pressure to hold elections, with the first round currently scheduled for December 13.
The security situation remains a major obstacle, as armed gangs continue to control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince. These groups also dominate the main roads leading to the Central and Artibonite provinces, which are also currently under fire. Because more than 50% of Haiti’s electorate resides in these three regions, it remains unclear whether those wishing to vote will be able to register or safely participate in the election.
Gang violence has already displaced more than 1.4 million people across the country.
According to United Nations data, more than 5,900 people were killed across Haiti last year, with an additional 1,600 deaths recorded between January and March of this year. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the U.N. Secretary-General, recently reported that 5,500 gender-based violent incidents were documented in the first half of the year, with 70% of those cases involving rape, including many instances of gang rape.
Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, warned that if the government insists on proceeding with the December 13 election date, a large portion of the electorate will inevitably be left out. While Da Rin acknowledged that police and a U.N.-backed mission have managed to seize back some areas near the National Palace, he emphasized that there has been no significant progress in reclaiming the vast amount of territory still controlled by powerful gangs.
He stated that the government will not be able to organize elections in territories currently under gang control. Furthermore, Da Rin highlighted that gangs have long served as tools for powerful elites to intimidate voters, influence candidate selection, or destroy ballot boxes when their preferred candidates face potential defeat.
Jacques Desrosiers, president of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, stated that he plans to open additional registration centers in the coming weeks, including 20 in Pétion-Ville, which is widely considered one of the safest areas. He noted that the possibility of opening centers in other communities remains entirely in the hands of the Haitian government.
Public sentiment remains deeply divided. Lawyer Francky Cavetan visited a registration center out of curiosity but stated he does not plan to vote because the process is too risky. He argued that the government and the electoral council are misleading the population by suggesting that elections will bring security, when he believes security must be established first.
Cavetan also expressed concern that the public is largely unaware that they will be asked to participate in a constitutional referendum on the same day as the elections, noting that the government has failed to explain the proposed changes to the Constitution.
Da Rin echoed these concerns, noting that the public remains uninformed about the specific changes the government is seeking.
At a registration center in the community of Laboule, turnout was notably low, with only three people signing up within the first hour of operation. Victor Valensky, a 38-year-old driver of a local tap-tap bus, was among those who registered. He expressed anger at the country's situation but also deep fear regarding the violence.
He stated that while he wants to take part in the elections, he must prioritize his safety, noting that he needs to ensure he can continue to support his two children. He added that he intends to be very careful before stepping out on election day.
