Haiti’s prime minister rejects CEP’s proposed $250M election budget

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s fragile path toward elections faced new uncertainty this week as Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and key political allies rejected a $250 million budget proposed by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), intensifying disputes over cost, control and the feasibility of holding a vote amid deepening insecurity. 

The rejection underscores broader tensions shaping Haiti’s prolonged political transition. Nearly five years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the country remains without elected leadership, while armed groups control much of the capital and state institutions struggle to function. For many Haitians, the debate over the election budget reflects deeper concerns about whether credible elections are possible under current conditions — and who ultimately controls the process. 

In a statement issued April 20, about 15 political parties that are signatories of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections — an agreement backing the current interim government — described the proposed budget as “excessive,” noting that the 2016 elections cost roughly $50 million.

“This budget is four times higher than the amount spent on the last elections,” the group said.

Fils-Aimé, speaking April 21 in an interview with Le Nouvelliste during a visit to Washington, echoed that criticism, calling the proposal “unacceptable and absurd” and announcing plans to form a committee with government officials and international donors to draft a revised budget.

“Two hundred fifty million dollars! That’s absurd! This is not an election for the United States,” the prime minister said.

The CEP has defended the proposal, arguing that comparisons to 2016 are misleading. Those elections were partial and relied heavily on existing infrastructure and support from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

CEP Officials also pointed to rising costs, including inflation, logistics and security needs. Haiti’s inflation rate has climbed above 22% in early 2026, according to official data, significantly increasing the cost of organizing nationwide elections. In 2016, the country’s inflation rate was about 15%.

Political divisions deepen over control of the process

The budget dispute comes as political actors accuse both the CEP and the government of undermining the electoral process.

The council recently paused voter and candidate registration activities following a failed simulation test, citing the need to align the electoral framework with provisions of the ‘National Pact,’ including potential constitutional changes.

Some political leaders argue the government is attempting to exert influence over the CEP.

Claude Joseph, former prime minister and leader of the Engagés pour le Développement (EDE) party, said concerns about the budget are valid but criticized Fils-Aimé’s public comments as counterproductive. In a post on X, Joseph—who signed the National Pact—argued that the dispute over the proposed budget reflects both political immaturity and an attempt to advance a partisan agenda to seize control of the electoral institution ahead of the upcoming elections.

He urged both sides to prioritize dialogue while warning against efforts to control the electoral body.

Similarly, the political platform Ayisyen pou Ayiti (PAPA), or Haitians for Haiti, accused the government of using the budget dispute to mask its inability to organize credible elections.

“The CEP must remain independent,” said coordinator Jonas Coffy, calling for a clear and binding electoral calendar.

Several signatories of the National Pact also criticized the CEP for suspending the process less than five months before the planned Aug. 30 first-round vote, citing unresolved technical and operational challenges.

Security concerns overshadow election timeline as uncertainty grows

Beyond political disagreements, security remains the most significant obstacle to holding elections this year.

Armed groups continue to expand their control across Port-au-Prince and into regional areas, while more than 1.4 million people are internally displaced, according to the United Nations.

Speaking at the U.N. Security Council on April 23, Fils-Aimé reiterated that restoring security is essential to any democratic transition.

“Without security, no democracy and development are possible,” he said.

The government is counting on the deployment of a UN-backed multinational security mission — referred to by Haitian and international authorities as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) — to help stabilize the country.

According to officials, the force is expected to deploy in phases, though only a limited number of personnel, including a 400-member contingent from Chad, have arrived to date.

“Efforts are underway to ensure the mission has the capabilities needed to fulfill its mandate,” GSF chief Jack Christofides said in a briefing to the UN Security Council. “The GSF is not an end in itself but a means to enable Haitian institutions to regain control and create conditions for long-term stability.” 

International officials warn that without tangible improvements in security, organizing credible elections will remain difficult.

With no finalized budget, updated electoral decree or confirmed timeline, uncertainty is mounting over whether Haiti can hold elections as scheduled.

For many observers, the dispute over funding highlights a deeper challenge: aligning political will, financial resources and security conditions in a country facing overlapping crises.

For Haitians in Haiti and the diaspora alike, the stakes are high. Elections are widely seen as a necessary step toward restoring constitutional order — but without consensus and stability, that goal remains elusive.

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