On Friday, January 31, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen the electoral process in Haiti, Transitional Presidential Advisor Frinel Joseph chaired a high-level meeting with Mexico and the OAS, which was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, the Embassy of Mexico in Haiti, the Embassy of Haiti in Mexico, the National Electoral Institute (INE), the Permanent Missions of Mexico and Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS), the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation of the OAS, and the Office of the OAS General Secretariat in Port-ou-Prince.

Advisor Joseph was accompanied by Patrick Saint-Hilaire, President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Reynold Guerrier, Director General of the National Identification Office (ONI), and Wollo J. D. Clercius, Technical Secretary of the Organization of the National Conference.

In his speech, Joseph expressed his gratitude to Mexican institutions and the OAS for their commitment and technical support. He stressed that this collaboration is part of an essential dynamic aimed at laying the foundations of a solid rule of law in Haiti.

The institutional overhaul of the country is based on an essential constitutional reform, designed to modernize state structures, strengthen the separation of powers and guarantee better representation of citizens.

The constitutional referendum, scheduled for May 2025, is a decisive step to adapt the 1987 Constitution to contemporary realities and strengthen citizens' confidence in the democratic system. Furthermore, the organization of inclusive and credible general elections in November 2025 remains an essential condition for the restoration of democratic legitimacy and the consolidation of political stability.

To this end, the Haitian delegation requested the support of the National Electoral Institute (INE) of Mexico to modernize electoral infrastructure, strengthen technological devices and ensure the training of technical and temporary staff. The INE expressed its availability to deepen electoral cooperation with Haiti.

In this perspective, a Haitian delegation will conduct a high-level tour of Latin America during the month of March 2025 in order to concretize and strengthen this cooperation with several regional partners.

Despite the challenges facing Haiti, the resilience of the Haitian people, the commitment of the Presidential Transitional Council and the support of international partners constitute essential levers for building a democratic, stable and prosperous future.

HL/ HaitiLibre