Haiti's Northeast surpasses 30,500 voter registrations amid security doubts
Registration began July 20 as the CEP eyes a December 13 vote, but residents and political actors question whether credible elections are possible amid gang violence.
FORT-LIBERTÉ — More than 30,500 people have registered to vote in Haiti's Northeast Department since voter registration began July 20, according to The Haitian Times. Ernst Manigat, president of the Departmental Electoral Office (BED), said Monday the department had recorded about 30,526 registered voters across its 14 communes, telling the outlet on Aug. 24 he expected a higher figure by the weekend.
The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has scheduled elections for Dec. 13, with a runoff set for Feb. 21, 2027, to elect a president, lawmakers and local officials after nearly a decade without national elections. Voter registration in the Northeast was launched in Fort-Liberté, attended by CEP member Magalie Georges and Northeast Departmental Delegate Dionel Germain.
The Haitian Times reported that early turnout reflects residents' desire to participate, though many voice doubts. Armed groups control large areas of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region and have expanded in the Artibonite Department—together the largest share of voters. Former lawmaker Jovenel Louis said, "We want elections, but we need to know if it will be a genuine election." A September 2025 ONI report cited 6.3 million voting-age Haitians nationwide with ID cards.