Michel Martelly registers for Haitian presidency

Former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly has submitted a preliminary registration to run for office under the Debloke political coalition. His registration via the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) platform brings the total number of presidential aspirants to 16.

Martelly, who served as president from 2011 to 2016, faces international sanctions from the United States, Canada, and the European Union. These sanctions are linked to allegations regarding ties to drug trafficking and the financing of armed groups. While Martelly is not currently on the United Nations sanctions list, his candidacy follows recent changes to Haitian electoral decrees.

Specifically, authorities removed a requirement for candidates to provide a certificate from the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) proving their assets were not subject to foreign sanctions. This change addressed difficulties faced by sanctioned individuals due to banking restrictions. The CEP must now review all documentation to determine if candidates meet the legal and constitutional requirements for the upcoming elections.