PORT-AU-PRINCE — As Haiti heads towards its upcoming elections, a wave of social media activity is urging voters, particularly younger individuals, to reject former President Michel Joseph Martelly and other past political figures. Many content creators are accusing these leaders of exacerbating the nation’s political, economic, and security crises.
Content shared across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X features videos and posts targeting Martelly and other former officials. Young Haitian creators emphasize the importance of not voting for those they believe are responsible for the current state of the country. They argue that inaction amid the ongoing crisis equates to complicity.
A popular video has captured attention, showcasing a woman energetically declaring in Creole, “Nou pap vote volè ankò,” which translates to “we won’t vote for thieves anymore.” This statement, along with images of Martelly and former President Jocelerme Privert, has resonated strongly and spurred further online commentary.
Among those leading the charge is Abana Louis, a content creator with 65,000 followers on Facebook. He consistently denounces Martelly and other past leaders, labeling them as “thieves.” In a video, Louis stated, “No one has the right to tell anyone who they should vote for, but everyone can tell you not to vote for Martelly, period.” He aims to influence at least 10,000 voters against supporting Martelly, whom he disparagingly describes as “piece of trash.”
Another prominent figure, TikTok user @_Theddy0, criticized supporters considering a vote for Martelly by recalling calls during his original campaign for a “vagabond” to lead the country. He has questioned Martelly’s accomplishments during his term from 2011 to 2016, arguing that he has no legacy comparable to previous leaders and disputing claims of widespread prosperity under his governance. @_Theddy0 is also scrutinizing the handling of funds, including $16 million for stadium construction.
“The Dominican Republic also received PetroCaribe funds. So, if Haiti was doing so well between 2011 and 2016, are we now at the same level as the Dominican Republic?” he queried in a recent post.
Content creator Camila voiced her concerns regarding those hesitant to speak out against Martelly, calling them cowards and emphasizing her commitment to address the country’s issues. “If I don’t at least open my mouth to speak out about what is happening, I will be even more shameless than this man,” she said, expressing outrage over the prospect of a sanctioned individual running for office.
Martelly is among those facing significant opposition on social media, along with former lawmakers Gary Bodeau, Jerry Tardieu, Deus Deroneth, Claude Joseph, and Joseph Lambert. The criticism also extends to artists like comedians Daniel “Tonton Bicha” Fils-Aimé and Jacques Jr. “Kako” Bourjolly. Videos circulating online encourage voters to think critically about candidates linked to past administrations and Haiti’s ongoing difficulties.
Several of these candidates are under international sanctions from the United States, Canada, and the European Union for various allegations, including corruption and human rights violations. Although sanctioned individuals can still run for office according to Haiti’s electoral framework, their eligibility remains subject to specific legal provisions.
In response to the social media push, some defenders of Martelly argue that online sentiments do not reflect the broader public opinion across Haiti. Users such as Rodriguez Paul Manet and Dukens Lerebours on X downplayed the power of social media in the elections, asserting that Martelly’s support remains solid among registered voters.
Candidates have submitted documents for the elections, set for July 18 and October 4, 2027. The Provisional Electoral Council will determine which candidates meet official requirements, with an approved list to be published on January 11. As electoral discussions intensify, Haiti’s national security forces are working to address persistent gang violence.
