One hundred young women have been selected for the next stage of the 2026 National Young Mayor contest, ten in each of Haiti's ten departments, iciHaiti reported on October 31. The first-stage results were announced this week at the Hôtel Montana.

In all, 1,112 applications were received and reviewed across the country. They were evaluated by representatives of the Interior Ministry, the Ministry for the Status of Women, UN Women and other partners.

Secretary of State for Local Authorities Sharina Lochard said the contest promotes women's leadership and civic engagement and prepares a new generation of women to take part in local governance. Interior Minister Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé praised the candidates' courage and potential.

Minister for the Status of Women Pédrica Saint-Jean encouraged young women to run for elected office in local government, and UN Women's representative in Haiti, Marie Goretti Nduwayo, called the contest a space for citizenship, reflection and hope.

Scutt Phillipeaux, president of the National Federation of Women Mayors of Haiti (FENAFEMH), welcomed the initiative and called for transparency, respect and responsibility at every stage of the process.