The Haitian Diaspora and the Elections

Can the Diaspora Vote?

As of today, no out-of-country voting system is in place for Haitian elections: to vote, you must be physically present in Haiti, registered in the ONI registry with a CINU. But there is a new development: in March 2026, authorities announced plans to potentially allow the diaspora to vote in the 2026 elections — but the details (embassies, consulates, or a remote system) remain unclear, and no mechanism yet exists. Watch the CEP's official announcements at cephaiti.ht.

Dual Nationality: Your Rights and the Limits

Since the June 2012 constitutional amendment, Haiti recognizes multiple nationality: you can be Haitian and American (or Canadian, French...) at the same time. A Haitian naturalized as a citizen of another country can vote in Haiti, own land, and take part in the country's life. But limits remain: the offices of President, Prime Minister, senator, and deputy are reserved for native-born Haitians holding no other nationality. Children born abroad to a native-born Haitian parent are Haitian by descent (Article 11).

How to Prove Your Nationality Abroad

Haitian embassies and consulates issue passports, civil-registry documents, and certificates of nationality. If you need a CINU, ONI has opened some offices abroad during registration periods — check the consulate nearest you and oni.gouv.ht for what is currently available. Keep your birth certificate and your parents' documents: they are the basis for proving nationality by descent.

How You Can Help Without Voting

Even without out-of-country voting, the diaspora has real power: share verified civic information (like these pages) with your family in Haiti; help relatives obtain their CINU; support credible civil-society organizations; watch press coverage and call out disinformation; and encourage your loved ones to vote when the day comes. Your remittances sustain families — the information you share can sustain democracy.