PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s authorities have announced a revision to candidate registration fees through an electoral decree on October 6, reducing costs for five candidate categories while maintaining the presidential fee at 2 million gourdes, approximately $15,400. This decree represents the second modification of a legal framework established on June 2, which has faced significant criticism from political actors concerned that existing regulations were stifling participation from younger candidates and smaller organizations.
The revised fees include a substantial reduction: candidates for the Senate will now pay 400,000 gourdes (around $3,000), while fees for the Chamber of Deputies and local government candidates have been lowered to 100,000 gourdes (approximately $770) and 50,000 gourdes (about $385) respectively. This follows a previous June decree where these fees were set significantly higher. The latest changes also eliminate several documentation requirements, easing the candidate submission process.
The government stated that these measures are designed to create “an institutional framework conducive to credible, transparent and impartial elections.” The adjustments were made after an October 5 Council of Ministers meeting, where officials discussed concerns regarding election neutrality and candidate accessibility.
While the decree eases some requirements, it retains a provision for political organizations to prove they have at least 30,000 members or supporters to qualify for candidacy. Independent candidates must show support from 150,000 individuals. Critics have previously highlighted that these thresholds could hinder the participation of smaller parties and independent candidates.
In addition to the fee reductions, the Oct. 6 decree removes requirements for financial and medical certificates from candidates. The necessity for verification documents from the National Old-Age Insurance Office and the Industrial Development Fund has also been eliminated. However, the rule prohibiting sanctioned politicians from running remains, affecting prominent figures under U.N. sanctions, including former President Michel Martelly.
The electoral timetable remains uncertain as the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) shifts deadlines, including extending the candidate registration deadline to October 31. The initial start date for the electoral campaign, which was set for October 5, has been postponed without a new timeline. First-round elections were originally scheduled for December 13, 2026, but it is unclear if those will also face delays. Haiti has not held an election since 2016, when President Jovenel Moïse was elected.
