Key facts
- Japan and the Organization of American States (OAS) have provided Haiti with a $3 million grant.
- The funds are designated to assist with voter registration and the acquisition of 350,000 blank identification cards.
- The grant will also support improvements to power and internet connectivity in decentralized government offices.
- Haiti's government commenced voter registration activities last month.
- General elections are tentatively scheduled for December 13, though potential delays due to ongoing violence are noted.
Japan and the Organization of American States (OAS) have signed an agreement to provide Haiti with a $3 million grant aimed at supporting the country's preparations for its upcoming general elections. The funds will be utilized to update voter lists and procure 350,000 blank identification cards, according to a statement from the OAS.
The grant is intended to help Haiti overcome challenges posed by widespread gang violence, which has displaced approximately 1.5 million people and led many to lose essential documents. The OAS indicated that the funding would also facilitate the expansion of services in rural areas and enhance technological infrastructure in decentralized government offices.
Haiti's government initiated voter registration processes in Port-au-Prince last month. However, experts caution that the ongoing security crisis, with gangs controlling an estimated 70% of the capital, could lead to further postponements of the elections, which are currently slated for December 13. The nation has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.