Haiti is currently in the midst of political turmoil, with international peacekeepers being brought in to restore stability in the country. The government has established a provisional electoral council in preparation for the first general elections since 2016. This council includes representatives from various groups such as farmers, journalists, human rights activists, and the Vodou community, who are responsible for creating a legal framework for the elections and organizing the upcoming polls, expected to take place by 2026. The council currently has seven members, with two remaining seats yet to be filled.
Smith Augustin, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, stated that the additional members of the electoral council will likely be announced in the near future, as the council is required by law to have nine members. The political situation in Haiti has been further destabilized by power struggles following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, leaving the country without a president since then. Armed gangs have also gained control over a significant portion of the capital city Port-au-Prince and other regions of the nation.
The previous electoral council was dissolved in 2021 under former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed office after Moise’s death but was later removed from power earlier this year. In Haiti, executive power is intended to be shared between the president and the prime minister. The interim government selected Garry Conille as the prime minister in May. The countries of Kenya and Jamaica are among the few that have deployed forces to Haiti as part of a UN-backed anti-gang operation, which is set to end in October if its mandate is not extended later this month.
There are discussions about potentially transforming the current mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation, which would provide additional funding and long-term support for the mission. This move could help ensure the continued stability and security of Haiti amidst ongoing political and security challenges. The armed gangs in Haiti have significantly impacted the daily life of citizens and are a major obstacle to the country’s progress and development. By involving international peacekeepers, Haiti aims to address these challenges and create a more secure environment for its people. The upcoming elections will be crucial for determining the country’s future leadership and direction.
