Haiti gets $3M OAS-Japan deal to expand ID system ahead of elections  

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Japan and the Organization of American States (OAS) signed a $3 million agreement Tuesday to expand Haiti’s identification system as the country prepares for elections after years without elected national institutions. 

The funding will help public awareness campaigns and expand mobile registration units in remote and vulnerable communities, OAS said. 

“This new contribution will help us update the electoral registry and provide 350,000 new biometric identification cards,” Ramdin wrote on X.

The agreement was signed during OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin’s Aug. 16-19 visit to Haiti, where a high-level Inter-American delegation met with Haitian government officials, security leaders and international partners.

The identification initiative is significant beyond the electoral process. A national identification card can determine whether Haitians can establish their legal identity, access government and social services and participate in elections. For Haitians displaced by violence or living in remote areas, expanding mobile registration could make it easier to obtain identification and participate in the electoral process. More than 1.4 million people have been displaced nationwide, according to figures cited by international officials.

The new agreement builds on an earlier OAS-Japan initiative launched in 2023 to support Haiti’s National Office of Identification (ONI). Ramdin said that the program registered more than 1.07 million people and resulted in the issuance of 1.22 million identification cards.

Identification and Security remain a major hurdle

The identification initiative comes as Haiti moves toward elections scheduled for Dec. 13, with the electoral process facing serious security and logistical challenges.

More than 85% of Port-au-Prince’s territory is under the control of armed groups, according to figures cited by international officials, while more than 1.4 million people have been displaced nationwide.

Gang violence has also intensified in several areas in recent months, including Cité Soleil, Kenscoff, the Cul-de-Sac Plain and the Artibonite region.

The security situation has already affected voter registration. Electoral authorities have expanded registration gradually, with some areas remaining inaccessible because of armed groups and insecurity.

The OAS delegation said strengthening the ONI’s capacity will be essential to an inclusive and credible electoral process.

“Security remains fundamental to making elections possible,” Ramdin said.

The delegation also discussed security operations with leaders of the Gang Suppression Force and reviewed efforts to strengthen PNH through the P4000 program, which aims to train 4,000 police officers. Ramdin said lasting stability will require sustained international support, stronger Haitian institutions and better coordination among security actors.

The OAS said it is prepared to provide technical assistance throughout the electoral process and conduct election observation when appropriate.

“This remains a Haitian-led process,” Ramdin said, adding that OAS will continue supporting Haitian authorities in accordance with their priorities and requests.

Haiti seeks broader international financing 

During the visit, Haiti also signed two agreements with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), as part of the country’s process of becoming a shareholder member of the institution.

The agreements establish the legal framework needed for CAF to operate in Haiti and could eventually give the country access to financing for long-term development projects.

“This is a crucial outcome that opens access to international financing for long-term development projects,” Ramdin said.

The delegation also held discussions with international institutions about education, health care, job creation and economic opportunities.

Additionally, the delegation met with representatives of Japan, Canada, Argentina, Spain, France, the United States, the European Union, Switzerland, Brazil, Chile, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Vatican.

Their discussions centered on security, elections, humanitarian needs, economic recovery and international coordination.

For OAS, strengthening Haiti’sidentification system and preparing for elections are part of a broader effort to restore elected institutions and rebuild confidence in government.

“Haiti is at a decisive moment,” Ramdin said. “We are here to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people and support their efforts toward stability, democratic governance, and a safer, more prosperous future.”

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