The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) continues to support national awareness-raising efforts aimed at ensuring the broadest possible participation and involvement in the country’s ongoing electoral process—with a particular focus on first-time voters and women.
In this context, BINUH supported the conclusion of the second phase of an awareness campaign for first-time voters, held on November 6, 2026, in Port-au-Prince, which brought together more than 150 young people.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC), the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF), and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), this activity is part of a campaign that has been underway since September 2026—with events also held in Cap-Haïtien and Jacmel. The initiative seeks to promote informed and responsible civic participation among young people in the electoral process.
In the presence of, among others, the president and the director general of the CEP, representatives from the diplomatic corps, and several civil society organizations, participants discussed the obstacles to political and electoral participation faced by young people and women, particularly in the West Department. The discussions covered voter registration, security challenges, the legal framework for elections, candidate eligibility requirements, and measures to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities.
The CEP also deployed a mobile team to allow first-time voters who met the necessary criteria to register on-site.
These efforts to promote inclusive electoral participation continued on November 9 in Port-au-Prince, with the launch—by the CEP and the MCFDF, and with the support of UN Women—of a communication and mobilization strategy for women. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of women in Haitian political life, as voters, candidates, and future leaders.
In a message addressed to the participants, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of BINUH, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, welcomed this initiative and noted that the participation of women is essential to the credibility and inclusivity of the electoral process. He pointed out that, while women already account for more than half of registered voters, they remain underrepresented among candidates for elected office, particularly at the national level.
The Special Representative further emphasized the need for close collaboration between the CEP, the MCFDF, political parties, civil society, and all other partners to ensure the effective implementation of this strategy. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening the participation and representation of women in Haitian political life.
