France Urges Haiti to Uphold UN, EU Sanctions After Electoral Decree Changes
The French ambassador reaffirmed support for sanctions regimes as a revised electoral decree raises questions over the eligibility of sanctioned figures.
The publication of a new version of the electoral decree meant to govern Haiti's upcoming elections has renewed attention on the status of individuals sanctioned by foreign governments or international bodies, Le Nouvelliste reports. According to the outlet, the first decree, prepared by the electoral council, adhered to the eligibility conditions set out in Haiti's still-in-force constitution, which fixes the requirements for candidacy to various offices. A second version, prepared by the services of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, introduced modifications. France's ambassador to Haiti, Gautier Lekens, "recalled France's attachment to the United Nations and European Union sanctions regimes and to their full application," according to a communiqué on a meeting with Prime Minister Fils-Aimé held after the decree modifications and the publication of a report by UN experts, Le Nouvelliste reports. The developments have prompted domestic debate, with commentator Clarens Renois warning of a "boulevard" opened to sanctioned individuals and a danger to democracy, per the same source. The Ministry of the Interior (MICT) separately reminded interim executive agents seeking candidacy that they must resign before October 15. The details of the decree revisions and their implications for sanctioned figures remain under scrutiny.