ONI Bans Political Use of Its Services, Stresses Data Protection Ahead of Elections
In a circular to staff, Haiti's National Identification Office reaffirms confidentiality, neutrality and impartiality as elections approach.
Haiti's Office National d'Identification (ONI) has issued a circular to its personnel reminding employees of their obligations of confidentiality, neutrality and impartiality ahead of upcoming elections, according to Le Nouvelliste. The institution's Direction générale has prohibited any unauthorized use of citizens' data and warned that employees involved in such practices could face sanctions up to and including dismissal, as well as judicial proceedings. The ONI also cautioned against any intervention aimed at favoring a candidate, party or political grouping. The warning comes as anomalies have reportedly been signaled in lists of 30,000 members, notably concerning NINU numbers associated with multiple political formations. The office's directive underscores concerns over the integrity of national identification data during the electoral period. Le Nouvelliste reported the circular without providing the full text of the note or additional details on which formations were affected. The ONI has also been noted for recent efforts, alongside the MCFDF, to strengthen women's access to national identity cards. No further details on enforcement measures were provided in the report.