Haiti Takes Major Step Toward First Elections Since 2016
Haiti is making a significant stride towards re-establishing democratic processes by setting up a provisional electoral council for the first time since 2016. This move comes amidst a turbulent backdrop of political instability and widespread gang violence that has plagued the Caribbean nation.
On September 19, 2024, Haiti's government announced the formation of a seven-member provisional electoral council. This council is composed of representatives from various sectors, including farmers, journalists, human rights advocates, and the Vodou community. Their primary role is to lay down the legal framework for upcoming elections and manage the electoral process, with polls expected to be held by 2026.
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The establishment of this council marks a crucial development in Haiti's ongoing efforts to stabilize its political landscape. The country has been without a president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Since then, political chaos has intensified, with armed gangs seizing control over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince and other regions. The previous electoral council, dissolved in 2021, had been unable to oversee any elections due to the severe instability.
The provisional electoral council, as it stands, is still incomplete. Two positions remain unfilled: one for human rights organizations and another for women's rights groups. Smith Augustin, a member of the transitional presidential council, has indicated that these positions will likely be filled soon to meet the legal requirement of nine council members.
The urgency for these elections has been underscored by international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently visited Haiti and stressed the need for progress in the electoral process. The interim government, led by Garry Conille, is working under challenging conditions, with gangs exerting significant control and a multinational security force from Kenya and Jamaica struggling to address the situation.
The international community, particularly the United Nations, has been called upon to provide more robust support. The current mission to combat gang violence could potentially transition into a full-fledged UN peacekeeping operation, which would offer more consistent funding and support.
As Haiti moves forward with these preparations, the hope is that these elections will pave the way for renewed governance and stability. The formation of the provisional electoral council represents a critical first step in this complex and challenging journey towards restoring democratic order in Haiti.
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