As part of International Youth Day, celebrated this year under the theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations" the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Civic Action (MJSAC) organized a symposium on the challenges of electoral participation.

This event, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., brought together key stakeholders such as representatives of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), numerous youth associations, the Peacebuilding Fund, and several United Nations agencies operating in the country.

In his address, Minister Pythagore Dumas stated that young people now have a forward-looking vision. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for youth, while stressing the importance of inclusion, participation, and civic responsibility. "The 2026-2036 National Youth Policy proposes strategic development priorities and implementation mechanisms to strengthen the capacities and engagement of Haitian youth."

Counselor Yves Marie Édouard, speaking on behalf of the CEP, took the opportunity to raise awareness among young people about their civic responsibility, particularly through the exercise of their right to vote. She emphasized that voting is not a trivial act, but a civic duty, thus inviting young people to become more involved in public affairs and in strengthening the country’s democratic life.

Ms. Édouard summarized her remarks around three essential actions : “register, participate, vote” reminding them that civic engagement begins with voter registration and continues with active participation in elections.

During a panel discussion on the electoral system, Eddy Philémond, Deputy Director of the CEP's Electoral Training Department, presented the main stages of the electoral process and the various ways in which young people can be involved in voter registration.

Through its participation in this symposium, the CEP reaffirmed the importance of youth as key players in the electoral process and democratic life. The electoral institution encourages young people to become informed, register, exercise their right to vote, and actively participate in building a more inclusive and democratic society.

HL/ HaitiLibre