PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti’s long-delayed return to electoral politics has received a fresh international boost after Japan and the Organization of American States committed US$3 million to support preparations for the country’s elections.

The funding will assist with voter registration, updating electoral lists and producing 350,000 blank identification cards, according to the OAS.

The initiative comes as Haiti prepares for elections scheduled for December 13, 2026, which would represent the country’s first general elections in years.

A major challenge is ensuring that displaced Haitians can participate. Widespread violence has forced approximately 1.5 million people from their homes, with many losing identification documents during displacement.

The programme will also help address the backlog in identification documents and expand registration services beyond major urban areas.

Election infrastructure is particularly important as Haiti attempts to restore constitutional and democratic institutions after years of political instability.

The OAS has simultaneously stressed that elections require a stronger security environment, including protection of key transportation routes and essential infrastructure.

Security remains one of the biggest obstacles facing the electoral process, with armed groups controlling significant parts of Port-au-Prince and major transport corridors.

For Haiti’s political parties and voters, the international assistance could provide an important step toward making the planned election timetable more achievable.

The coming months will be closely watched as authorities work to expand voter registration, restore identification services and improve security around the electoral process.

The latest funding demonstrates growing international pressure and support for Haiti’s return to elected government.