On April 24, 2026, Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) submitted a revised version of the electoral decree to the Executive branch. This revised decree, dated December 1st, 2025, aims to align the new decree with the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46925-haiti-politic-presentation-of-the-national-pact-for-stability-and-the-organization-of-elections-video.html). The text submitted to the Executive branch introduces changes regarding mandates, local government, and the conditions for party participation.

The text has been revised to conform to the "National Pact for Stability," which aims to guide the electoral process toward more inclusive and secure elections.

The entry into force of these measures remains subject to the adoption process of the decree, which could be examined at an upcoming Council of Ministers meeting.

Main changes and new features of the revised Electoral Decree :

1. Reform of local government (Local Authorities) : The municipal cartel model, currently composed of three members, is replaced by a single-mayor system, modifying the municipal organization.

2. Modernization and Electoral Procedures : Introduction of technology for processing the electoral register and transferring results in real time.

The jurisdictional section is strengthened, defining new criteria for the admissibility of tally sheets (greater flexibility to avoid automatic inadmissibility) and providing for recounts in certain cases.

Strengthened measures for voter registration to obtain a reliable electoral list.

3. Inclusion and Parity : Improved adherence to the 30% quota for women among elected officials. The decree includes provisions to allow the diaspora to vote, at least in the presidential election.

4. Incentives for Candidates : The draft decree contains incentives to encourage the nomination of candidates with a university degree.

5. Party Participation : According to the revised draft electoral decree, a new threshold is proposed : to be eligible to participate in elections, a political party must now demonstrate a minimum of 30,000 members. This high threshold aims to limit the proliferation of "small" parties and encourage mergers. This measure has sparked significant debate within the political class regarding the parties' ability to mobilize such a base in a short period.

SL/ HaitiLibre