Accra:Former Haitian President Joseph Michel Martelly has registered online as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, increasing the number of registered contenders to 16. Martelly's registration is under the political coalition Debloke, which includes former members of the Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK) that he previously led. However, his registration is still preliminary and awaits document submission and approval by Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

According to Anadolu Agency – English, a recent amendment to the electoral decree on October 6 removed the requirement for candidates to submit a certificate from the Bank of the Republic of Haiti. This change eliminated a barrier for individuals facing sanctions, although U.S. sanctions could still pose a challenge for certain candidates.

Martelly is not on the United Nations sanctions list, but UN experts have accused him of financing armed groups and benefiting from illicit activities, allegations he denies. Canada sanctioned him in November 2022, the U.S. in August 2024, and the EU in December 2025 due to claims including gang financing and drug trafficking. Martelly returned to Haiti on July 15 after spending years abroad, and his potential political comeback has sparked criticism from both domestic and international Haitians.

The election process faces challenges, including gang violence and technical issues. The campaign was initially scheduled to start on Thursday but has been postponed, with candidate registration extended through October 31. The CEP has promised to release a revised electoral calendar. So far, the CEP has recorded 16 presidential candidates, 302 Senate candidates, and 1,050 candidates for the Chamber of Deputies, with registration and document submissions beginning on August 20.