Carlos Hercule urges review of electoral decree to avert further election delays

Former vice-president of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Me Carlos Hercule, has called for an assessment of Haiti's electoral legal framework to identify provisions that could block the process and prevent a possible postponement of the elections, according to Le Nouvelliste and Le National. Speaking Friday, October 23, on the program Panel Magik, the lawyer pointed to inconsistencies in the new electoral decree and difficulties related to its application, Le Nouvelliste reported. He said the publication of an electoral calendar alone would not be sufficient to guarantee the process. Hercule, a former bâtonnier of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association and former president of the Federation of Bar Associations of Haiti, attributed successive election delays mainly to a deficit in planning and the absence of a calendar built on genuinely available means, Le National reported. He recommended a full diagnostic review of the electoral decree alongside stronger coordination among the CEP, the government and security forces to address threats posed by armed groups. He also addressed a constitutional referendum, diaspora participation and voter registration difficulties, proposing that a referendum be held about three to four months before general elections. His remarks come as the CEP continues consultations on updating the electoral calendar.