Home > 2.8 Security > HAITI - Opinion on the draft referendum decree
 
 
 
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Section 22.
 

In addition, Article 6 provides, in a classic way, for the inclusion on the electoral roll of any voter enjoying civil and political rights. There is no provision for excluding criminals involved in gangs, even if they are subject to international sanctions.13 The only relevant rules to prevent gang members from voting is the ban on armed persons in polling stations (Article 42). It cannot be ruled out that even the presence of a substantial number of unarmed gang members in or around the queue could have an intimidating effect on other voters. The draft decree does not clearly indicate how the CEP and local electoral authorities can deal with passive intimidation by gangs. The Venice Commission recommends provisions that prevent gang members from interfering in the electoral process, and at the very least prohibit them from being members of the electoral administration. As it is difficult to identify gang members, such measures should in any case target those who are subject to international sanctions or who can be identified in some other way.