Elections in Haiti: New Electoral Calendar Under Discussion
The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is currently engaging in discussions with government officials, members of the security forces, foreign partners, political stakeholders, and representatives from civil society. The council aims to announce a revised electoral calendar, including a new election date, by the end of October.
Search Continues for Missing Salvadoran Soldiers
Following an attack in Santo, Croix-des-Bouquets, on October 18, the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) has confirmed its ongoing operations to locate four missing Salvadoran soldiers. The GSF indicated that the soldiers may be held as hostages. Since the incident, GSF has deployed troops, supported by helicopters, to the area, which has seen violent confrontations with armed groups. Reports indicate that several members of these groups were killed or wounded. Additionally, four GSF members sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.
Registration for Baccalaureate Retake Exams Begins
The Ministry of Education announced that the first session of retake exams for students who did not pass their Baccalaureate will be held from December 14 to December 17, 2026. Students who failed their final year exams will only need to retake subjects they did not pass within a two-year period following the official assessment. Registration for these exams will be open from October 27 to November 17, 2026, at all Departmental Directorates of Education (DDE). Candidates must provide a registration form from their previous session or an official certificate, two passport-sized photographs, and pay a registration fee of 2,000 Gourdes.
Changes to Income Tax Laws Announced
A new decree that updates the Tax Code includes significant amendments for individual income taxation. One key change is the expansion of income tax brackets, raising the upper limit of the lowest bracket from 60,000 to 360,000 Gourdes annually. Additionally, the withholding tax rate for various compensations, excluding base salary and year-end bonuses, has been increased from 10% to 15%. The full details of these changes can be downloaded from the government’s official website.
Women’s Football: Haiti’s Ranking Drops
In the latest FIFA women’s world rankings released on October 20, the Haitian national women’s football team, known as the “Grenadières,” fell one position to 48th, with a total of 1,488 points. This decline follows two significant losses to Japan (5-1) and Australia (7-1).
New Leadership at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
The Executive Council of the State University of Haiti (UEH) installed a new deanship council for the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy on October 16, 2026. Dr. Bernard Pierre has been reappointed as Dean, while pharmacist Marie Victoire Magalie Rosemond has resumed her role as Vice-Dean of Pharmacy for a third term. Dr. Gérald Jonacé has been inaugurated as the new Vice-Dean of Medicine.
