In Haiti, ravaged by armed clashes, death, and poverty, the local Church awaits with hope the referendum and the election of a new President.

Mgr. Pierre-André Dumas, Bishop of the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne and Vice President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, stated in an interview with Federico Piana (Vatican City), "This could mark a turning point. But insecurity is a problem. The support of the international community is necessary."

All eyes are now on the general elections. According to the new President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Jacques Desrosiers (Press Representative, elected on September 20, 2025), general elections will take place on March 29, 2026, followed by the inauguration of a new President on May 18, 2026, "regardless of the situation in the country." Please note that this statement is solely the responsibility of the author until the dates are published in the Official Journal "Le Moniteur".

Excerpts from the interview :

[...]

Federico Piana (FP) : "— How do you view the election announcement by the new Director of the Provisional Electoral Council, Jacques Desrosiers?"

Mgr. Pierre-André Dumas: "We hope this is a step towards democracy. There is a Constitution that must be respected, and the principles of dignity, solidarity, fraternal integration, and subsidiarity must be restored. This is an important sign : the people need hope. One aspect of the Haitian crisis is precisely the loss of public confidence. However, everything depends on the security conditions in which the referendum will take place : some areas of the country are no-man's lands, where gangs reign. This is the case for 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The electoral process must be conducted in complete transparency and involve the entire society, which must be able to exercise its rights freely.

FP : "Do you really believe that the current context allows for the organization of democratic elections ?"

Mgr. Pierre-André Dumas : "It will be very difficult; we cannot ignore the Haitian reality. As a son of this Nation, I believe there is a risk that voting will become a formal ritual, devoid of democratic substance. But, on the other hand, postponing it would be tantamount to destroying the people's hope. What is truly needed is strong support from the international community, as the Pope has also called for.

The Haitian bishops have often emphasized the need for moral reconstruction. What does this mean in concrete terms ? It's not just about freeing Haiti from the gangs that are ravaging it, returning homes occupied by armed groups to their rightful owners, or cleaning up dilapidated neighborhoods. All of this is well and good, but we must also understand that the serious problems we are experiencing are the result of a complete obscuring of reality.

[...]

SL/ HaitiLibre