PÉTION-VILLE, Haiti — Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé registered to vote Tuesday at the Lycée National de Pétion-Ville, describing his participation as a “civic duty” and encouraging Haitians across the country to take part in the electoral process.
The prime minister called on citizens with valid National Identification Cards to visit voter registration centers operating throughout Port-au-Prince, provincial cities and some of Haiti’s most remote communities.
Fils-Aimé described registering to vote as an important expression of the people’s sovereignty as Haiti prepares for elections, with the first round scheduled for December 13.
The registration campaign represents a significant step for a country that has gone more than a decade without national elections, leaving Haiti without elected officials in many of its major institutions.
Prime Minister Rejects Political Favoritism Claims
Fils-Aimé also responded to accusations from some political figures who claim his government may be attempting to favor particular candidates or political interests.
He rejected those allegations, saying he does not even know which candidate he will support because the official field of candidates has yet to be determined.
His comments come as political attention increasingly turns toward whether Haiti can successfully organize credible elections amid continuing institutional and security challenges.
Security Remains a Major Concern
Persistent insecurity remains one of the greatest obstacles facing the electoral process.
Fils-Aimé sought to reassure voters that the government is working to establish conditions that will allow Haitians to freely choose their next leaders at the ballot box.
He said the state has provided the Electoral Council with the resources necessary to move the process forward and pledged that security efforts will continue as the December election approaches.
For many Haitians, however, the ability to safely reach registration centers and eventually polling locations will be an important test of whether nationwide elections can realistically be conducted.
Thousands Already Registering
Despite the challenges, election officials say voter registration is gaining momentum.
Jacques Desrosiers, president of the Electoral Council, reported that approximately 13,000 people registered on August 3 alone.
Election authorities are aiming to register between three million and four million voters from an estimated 6.5 million Haitians who are eligible to vote.
Several prospective voters expressed hope that the process will ultimately lead to elections, arguing that Haiti’s prolonged absence of elected governments has contributed to the weakening of both public institutions and society.
The Electoral Council recently launched its nationwide voter registration campaign as one of the essential preparations for the planned December vote.
After years of political instability, transitional governments and deteriorating security, the upcoming electoral process could become a defining moment for Haiti. Its success will depend not only on voter participation but also on whether authorities can provide the security, transparency and public confidence necessary for Haitians to freely exercise their right to vote.
The Haitian Tribune
