Constitutional Referendum Projected for This Summer, According to Government

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Patrick Pélissier, confirmed on May 22, 2025, the Haitian government's intention to organize a constitutional referendum by next summer. This announcement was made on the sidelines of a symposium dedicated to the security crisis in Haiti and organized by the Organization of American States (OAS).

“A decree was to be adopted during the Council of Ministers meeting held on May 23, to thus formalize the referendum process,” Patrick Pélissier indicated, providing an update on the security situation, an essential condition for holding the referendum.

Haitians are invited to debate the draft until June 25, and potential corrections could be made to the text, added Minister of Justice Patrick Pélissier, who announced the event would take place in summer 2025, without setting a specific date.

Dr. Pélissier made this announcement while the situation remains delicate. Armed gangs control over 80% of the West department, and most roads leading to other regions of the country are occupied by criminal organizations. This picture illustrates the need for an adequate response from the government.

Jean Mapou