Haiti Prepares for First Elections Since 2016 with New Electoral Council

Haiti took a critical step toward holding its first general elections since 2016 by establishing a provisional electoral council on Thursday, September 19th. The nine-member council, tasked with organizing elections by 2026, represents various sectors, including media, academia, and religious groups. The move follows years of political instability, exacerbated by the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and widespread gang violence that has severely impacted the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas.

Haiti’s interim government, under Prime Minister Garry Conille, formed the council to restore democratic processes after years of delayed elections. The provisional electoral council is seen as a key component in re-establishing order and providing hope for stability. Smith Augustin, a member of the transitional presidential council, emphasized that two more seats on the council are yet to be filled by representatives from human and women’s rights organizations.

The situation in Haiti has been dire since the assassination of President Moïse by Colombian mercenaries in July 2021. Political power has remained fragmented, with no elected president since the assassination. Armed gangs have taken control of over 80% of the capital, leaving the country in a state of chaos. Despite these challenges, international leaders, including United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have pushed for the electoral process to begin. Blinken’s recent visit to Port-au-Prince underscored the international community’s support for Haiti’s electoral ambitions.

To address the security crisis, a Kenyan-led multinational security force has been deployed to help Haitian authorities combat the gangs. However, only 600 Kenyan and Jamaican forces have arrived, leaving much of the gang control unchallenged. Despite some success in capturing gang leaders, violence persists, prompting Prime Minister Conille to expand the state of emergency across the entire country earlier this month.

While Haiti’s new electoral council marks a significant step forward, much work remains. The country’s dire security situation, exacerbated by gang rule, poses a substantial barrier to conducting free and fair elections. The international community, led by the United Nations and regional allies, has called for increased funding and support for Haiti to help stabilize the nation and ensure the success of the upcoming elections.