By Zoila Palma: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has raised concerns over Haiti’s deteriorating security situation and challenges surrounding preparations for the country’s upcoming elections following an eight-day visit from September 2 to 9, 2026.
The EPG met with a broad range of political and civil society stakeholders, including government institutions, political parties, the business community, youth and women’s groups, human rights organisations and the leadership of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
The delegation noted several positive developments, particularly efforts to restart an electoral process after more than a decade, with political parties preparing to participate and forming various political groupings.
However, stakeholders raised concerns about new requirements under the amended Electoral Decree, including the number of documents candidates must submit and the slow pace of voter registration. “The EPG noted that the voter registration process was not meeting expectations,” the statement said, adding that the process has also been constrained by areas that remain beyond state control.
The EPG said stakeholders expressed a strong desire for elections that are fair, credible, impartial and inclusive, although some political parties have called for changes to electoral procedures that could potentially require a postponement of the December 13 election date.
At the same time, the security situation remains a major concern, with the delegation noting a recent increase in deadly violence and kidnappings. “All stakeholders underscored the critical importance of ensuring a security environment” that would allow voter registration, political campaigning, freedom of movement and safe voting across the country.
The CARICOM delegation stressed that the deployment of additional forces and resources pledged by international partners, along with stronger coordination between those forces and Haitian security agencies, will be critical.
Describing Haiti as being at a critical juncture, the EPG called on international partners to act urgently on their security commitments. “Haiti is at a critical juncture,” the statement said, while urging international partners “to refocus efforts to deliver with despatch on security commitments made to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2793.”
The post International News: CARICOM Eminent persons group raises concerns over Haiti’s security and electoral preparations appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has raised concerns over Haiti’s deteriorating security situation and challenges surrounding preparations for the country’s upcoming elections following an eight-day visit from September 2 to 9, 2026. The EPG met with a broad range of political and civil society stakeholders, including government institutions, political parties, the
The post International News: CARICOM Eminent persons group raises concerns over Haiti’s security and electoral preparations appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
