December 23, 2024
During the Council of Ministers meeting held on Wednesday, September 18, seven members were appointed to form part of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), in accordance with the political agreement of April 3, 2024. This agreement aims to end the political deadlock and prepare for general elections scheduled for February 2026. Among the appointed members are Nemrod Sanon for the labor sector, Jacques Desrosiers for the press, Patrick Hilaire for the Catholic Church, Jaccéus Joseph for the peasant sector, Peterson Pierre-Louis for the reformed religious communities, Florence Mathieu for the university sector, and Schnaïda Adely for the Vodou sector.
However, the Women’s and Human Rights sectors, traditionally represented within the CEP, were excluded. Gédéon Jean, initially designated by the Human Rights sector, was not retained due to internal conflicts within that group. This decision sparked reactions, notably from the Sant Karl Lévêque (SKL), which accused the Presidential Transition Council (CPT) of marginalizing essential sectors, such as human rights, in this process.
The partial composition of the CEP raises concerns about the representation of various sectors of civil society. The SKL strongly criticizes this move, arguing that it could undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The Presidential Transition Council, whose mandate runs until 2026, has committed to restoring public order and organizing legitimate elections. In July 2024, it launched a process inviting several sectors to designate their representatives to form the CEP, in accordance with the decree of May 27, 2024. The sectors had eight days to submit their candidates. This process is part of a broader initiative, which also includes constitutional reform, a national conference, and the establishment of a steering committee, appointed in August 2024.
These appointments mark an important step in preparing for the next elections, but the absence of key sectors risks fueling tensions and criticism within Haitian society.