This week at the Montana Hotel took place the closing of registrations and the publication of the results of the first stage of the National Young Mayoress Competition 2026 (Concours National Jeune Mairesse 2026).

In total, no less than 1,112 applications were received and examined across the national territory. At the end of an evaluation process carried out jointly by representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities, the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women's Rights, UN Women and other partners, 10 candidates were selected in each of the ten departments of Haiti, i.e. 100 young women selected for the rest of the competition.

"With the selection of 100 candidates, the 2026 National Young Mayoress Competition reaches an important milestone. This initiative will continue its mission of promoting female leadership, promoting civic engagement and preparing a new generation of women called to actively participate in local governance and decision-making," rejoiced Sharina Lochard, Secretary of State for Local Authorities.

In his remarks for the occasion, Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, the Minister of the Interior, praised the courage and potential of the candidates, emphasizing that this initiative is part of the government dynamic focused on security, stability and the organization of elections, while contributing to the strengthening of women's participation in local governance and the promotion of effective decentralization.

For her part, Pédrica Saint-Jean, the Minister for the Status of Women, congratulated this initiative, which encourages young women to take an interest in political life and to run for elected office within local authorities. She reaffirmed her Ministry's commitment to supporting women in their journey, strengthening the capacities of candidates and reducing the obstacles that hinder their participation in public and political life. The Minister also invited the candidates selected as part of the competition to continue the development of their leadership on a daily basis, to actively engage in their communities and to contribute to the construction of more inclusive and participatory local authorities.

The representative of UN Women in Haiti, Ms. Marie Goretti Nduwayo for her part, expressed her satisfaction with the holding of this Competition which she considers to be a space of citizenship, reflection and hope, testifying to the desire of young women to contribute to change in Haiti.

Ms. Scutt Phillipeaux, President of the National Federation of Women Mayors of Haiti (FENAFEMH), applauded the Young Mayoress Competition which promotes female leadership and offers young women a space for training, learning and preparation for future responsibilities. She also called for transparency, respect and a sense of responsibility for all stakeholders at each stage of the process.

IH/ S/ iciHaiti