Pétion-Ville, Friday, July 17, 2026 – The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is pressing forward with preparations for the upcoming elections, announcing two major measures: the official launch of voter registration operations starting July 20, 2026, and an extension of the political group registration period until July 31.
These latest decisions mark another significant milestone in a process that has already seen several critical steps completed over the past months. Since the beginning of the electoral cycle, the CEP has successfully finalized the revision of the preliminary electoral map, validated the organizational chart of polling stations, and secured the necessary logistical framework for the deployment of electoral materials across the country. Earlier this year, the Council also concluded a series of consultations with civil society organizations and political stakeholders to gather input on the electoral calendar and operational modalities. These consultations helped shape the current roadmap, which has been progressively implemented despite persistent challenges related to security and infrastructure.
In a press note published Friday, the electoral institution indicated that voter registration operations will begin on Monday, July 20, 2026, in the chief towns of the country’s nine geographic departments, with the exception of the West department. The CEP explains that this temporary exclusion is due to the particular constraints that persist in that department. However, the institution affirms that it is continuing to assess the situation in order to gradually extend registration operations to the West as well as to all municipalities of the other departments, as soon as security, accessibility, and efficiency conditions permit.
The Council reminds citizens that this registration phase is a foundational step in the electoral process, building upon the preliminary work already accomplished, including the updating of the electoral rolls carried out during the technical validation phase last spring. The CEP also recalls that voter education campaigns have been underway since June, with radio spots, community outreach sessions, and informational materials disseminated to ensure that all eligible voters understand the procedures and requirements for registration. To that end, the Electoral Council invites all citizens to visit the Voter Registration and Polling Centers (CIV) with their valid national identification card in order to register on the electoral roll.
Furthermore, in another decision made public, the CEP announced the extension until July 31, 2026, of the political group registration period. This measure responds to requests submitted by several political organizations seeking additional time to complete their administrative formalities. Accredited political parties wishing to form political groups may thus submit their files to the CEP’s central office in Pétion-Ville, Monday through Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., until Friday, July 31, inclusive.
This extension is the second of its kind, following a previous three-week extension granted in June that allowed a first wave of political formations to regularize their status. The CEP has also noted that, to date, more than 40 political parties have completed the initial accreditation phase, and over a dozen political groups have already submitted their preliminary documentation. Consequently, the period reserved for the official registration of political groupings has been rescheduled from August 10 to August 14, 2026. This adjustment aligns with the broader electoral timeline, which has already undergone several modifications since the original calendar was published in February, including the postponement of the preliminary candidate vetting phase and the adjustment of the appeals period to accommodate logistical realities in the field.
The Provisional Electoral Council emphasizes that this decision reflects its commitment to remaining attentive to political actors, who are considered essential partners in the electoral process. The CEP also recalls that this inclusive approach has been a hallmark of its work since the beginning of the cycle, as evidenced by the establishment of a joint monitoring committee with representatives from political parties and civil society to oversee the transparency of operations.
Through these two announcements, the CEP reaffirms its commitment to conducting an inclusive, impartial, and transparent electoral process, in accordance with the principles of independence, integrity, democratic accountability, and the right of every citizen to participate in the country’s democratic life. The Council further notes that these measures complement the technical preparations already finalized, including the procurement of indelible ink, the printing of voter registration forms, and the training of over 1,500 registration agents deployed across the departments. As the July 20 launch date approaches, the CEP calls on all stakeholders—political parties, civil society, the media, and the general public—to support these efforts and contribute to the success of this crucial phase, which will lay the groundwork for free and fair elections in the months ahead.
By Marie Farah Fortuné and Darbouze Figaro
