By Thursday’s registration deadline, about 280 political parties had signed up with the Provisional Electoral Council of Haiti to contest the vote.
Not all of them are expected to qualify, but new parties say they are eager for a chance to help address the country’s deep political and security crisis.
Supporters of the Collective of Haitian Actors for Development and Alternative Organization, a party formed last year, arrived at the electoral council headquarters with music and chants, celebrating their registration.
Another party, Engagés pour le Développement, also submitted its documents. The group was founded by former prime minister Claude Joseph, who was in office when President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.
Currently, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is serving as Haiti’s prime minister under a transitional arrangement.
Authorities had initially planned to hold elections in August with a runoff in December, although officials now say the first round may take place later this year.
However, many observers remain sceptical because of the ongoing gang violence across the country.
According to the United Nations, more than five thousand nine hundred people were killed in Haiti last year, while armed gangs now control large parts of Port-au-Prince, the capital.
The electoral council says it will publish the final list of approved political parties later this month.
