Haiti forms provisional electoral council for first elections since 2016

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Haiti has formed a provisional electoral council to prepare for the country’s first general elections since 2016. The newly established council includes representatives from various sectors such as farmers, journalists, human rights advocates, and the Vodou community. Its primary responsibility is to create the legal framework necessary for organizing the elections, which are expected to be held by 2026.

The council currently has seven members, with two additional seats allocated for human rights and women’s rights representatives, who are expected to be named soon. Smith Augustin, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, mentioned that the remaining appointments would likely be announced in the coming days.

Haiti has faced increasing political challenges since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Armed gangs have gained control over large parts of Port-au-Prince and other regions, contributing to ongoing instability. The formation of this council is seen as a vital step toward stabilizing the country and moving toward democratic elections.

International peacekeepers from Kenya and Jamaica are assisting with security efforts in Haiti through a United Nations-backed anti-gang mission. This mission may be extended or converted into a formal UN peacekeeping operation to ensure continued support and stability.