The Council of Ministers validated yesterday Wednesday a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), long demanded by the international community, to prepare the country for its first general elections since 2016, to supervise them and to guarantee the transparency of the upcoming electoral processes.

Smith Augustin, a member of the country's transitional presidential council, confirmed that the electoral council had been created, although it is composed of only seven members out of the nine that the law provides.

The 7 members :

- Mrs. Schnaida ADÉLY, Representative of the Vodou Communities;

- Mr. Patrick SAINT-HILAIRE, Representative of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti;

- Mr. Peterson PIERRE-LOUIS, Representative of the Reformed Faiths;

- Mrs. Marie Florence MATHIEU, Representative of the University Council;

- Mr. Jacques DESROSIERS, Representative of the Journalists' Associations;

- Mr. Jaccéus JOSEPH, Representative of Peasant Associations; and

- Mr. Nemrod SANON, Representative of Trade Unions.

Mr. Augustin stated that the other two members (Human Rights Organizations and Women's Rights Associations) would probably be announced in the coming days.

Gédéon Jean, who was expected for the Human Rights sector, has not obtained the validation of the Council of Ministers at this stage. While for the Women's sector, the name of Yves Marie Edouard has been mentioned, but without official confirmation for the moment.

The electoral council, which represents groups such as farmers, journalists, human rights activists and the voodoo community, is responsible for organizing the elections and helping to create the legal framework to organize them.

It should be recalled that the previous electoral council was dissolved in September 2021 by former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who had accused it of being "partisan". His decision delayed elections scheduled for November 2021 and prompted critics to accuse Henry of clinging to power, charges he has rejected.

HL/ HaitiLibre