Haiti Moves Toward First Elections Since 2016

Haiti has taken a key step toward its first elections since 2016 with the formation of a nine-member provisional electoral council. This body is responsible for organising elections by February 2026.

The last election, held in 2016, resulted in Jovenel Moïse’s election, but his assassination in July 2021 created a power vacuum. Ariel Henry, Moïse’s appointed prime minister, assumed leadership but faced significant challenges, including a gang takeover of the Port-au-Prince airport in February 2024, which hindered his return. Henry resigned in April, leading to the formation of a transitional presidential council, which appointed Garry Conille as interim prime minister.

A Kenyan-led multinational security force has been sent to support Haitian police against the gangs, but its efforts have been hampered by limited resources. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticised the international community for insufficient support in Haiti’s crisis.