LGBT activists in Haiti voice concern over changes to election timetable
LGBT activists in Haiti fear that changes to the electoral calendar will prolong political uncertainty in the country. Erasing 76 Crimes reported their reactions on October 20, 2026. They are calling for clear deadlines and transparent preparations for voting.
Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), in a statement dated October 5, extended online candidate registration and the submission of documents until October 31. It cited consultations with political groups and amendments to the electoral decree adopted by the Council of Ministers. The campaign period was postponed, with new start and end dates to be announced in an updated calendar. Voter registration continues.
Translation of the CEP post: “Extension of the online candidate registration period and adjustment of certain deadlines in the electoral process.”
The July calendar scheduled the first round of presidential and legislative elections for December 13, 2026, and the second for February 21, 2027. However, the CEP statement does not set a new polling day. As The Haitian Times explains, the council postponed the campaign but did not officially replace the first-round date.
Merlin Jean, an LGBT activist from Ouanaminthe in northeastern Haiti, told Erasing 76 Crimes that he understood the security difficulties but considered indefinite delays to elections unacceptable. He said changes should come with a realistic timetable, concrete commitments and guarantees of transparency. People need both security and legitimate representatives, he added.
Another LGBT activist, Johnny Clergé from the capital, Port-au-Prince, voiced concern about further instability. He believes a possible resignation by Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé could deepen the uncertainty. Clergé also proposed greater involvement by the diaspora and civil society in discussions about a way out of the crisis through a national assembly.
In a statement published on October 19, the CEP reported discussions on electoral deadlines and security with representatives of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and international partners. The council said it intended to ensure the process’s independence and transparency, as well as citizens’ participation in elections.
Haiti has not held national elections since 2016. Preparations for voting are taking place amid political disputes and violence by armed groups that control much of Port-au-Prince.
