Haiti’s goal to elect new president by 2026 endangered by political setbacks, UN says

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Haiti, the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, has been engulfed in a deepening political crisis since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The goal of holding elections by 2026, as stipulated in the country’s transition plan, is now increasingly at risk due to a series of political and security setbacks, as highlighted by the United Nations (UN). These challenges threaten not only Haiti’s political stability but also the welfare of its people, whose suffering continues amid widespread violence, economic hardship, and institutional collapse.

The Political and Security Landscape

Haiti’s political instability has been a persistent issue for decades, but the assassination of President Moïse marked a dramatic turning point. In the aftermath of his killing, Haiti’s political institutions were left in disarray. Moïse’s death created a power vacuum, with various factions vying for control of the government. Initially, Ariel Henry, who was appointed as interim prime minister by Moïse just days before his death, assumed leadership. However, his position has been contested by multiple political groups, leaving the country without a clear path toward constitutional governance.

In the years following Moïse’s assassination, political divisions have deepened, and the lack of consensus on the organization of elections has become a significant obstacle. The transitional government has been unable to deliver the necessary reforms to pave the way for credible elections. The absence of a functioning legislative body and the suspension of the country’s constitutional framework have created a volatile environment, making it difficult to establish trust among political actors and citizens alike.

The Rise of Armed Gangs

The increasing power of armed gangs has exacerbated the political crisis. Haiti has seen a surge in gang violence, which has displaced thousands of people and severely hampered the ability of the government to govern effectively. These gangs have taken control of large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions, and their influence has grown to the point where they dictate terms to the state.

The gangs have been responsible for numerous kidnappings, murders, and extortion schemes. They have destabilized key sectors of the economy and frightened political leaders into inaction. The presence of these gangs has made it extremely difficult for citizens to engage in political life or for international actors to provide meaningful support to the government.

This security crisis has been particularly detrimental to the electoral process. In a country where political violence has historically been a problem, the presence of heavily armed gangs controlling vital infrastructure and neighborhoods has made the holding of free and fair elections nearly impossible. Despite calls from the international community for Haiti’s government to take action against these gangs, little progress has been made.

The International Response and the Role of the UN

The international community, particularly the United Nations, has voiced grave concerns about the political and security situation in Haiti. The UN has repeatedly warned that the country’s goal of holding elections by 2026 is increasingly endangered by ongoing political and security challenges. In September 2023, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for greater international support to address the gang violence and facilitate political dialogue.

The UN has been actively involved in Haiti’s peacekeeping operations for years, and the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was in the country from 2004 to 2017. However, after the mission ended, the security situation deteriorated, and the UN has had to reconsider its role in Haiti. There have been calls for a new peacekeeping mission to address the escalating violence and support the Haitian government in stabilizing the country.

The UN has also provided humanitarian aid and financial support to address the country’s dire economic conditions. Still, its ability to influence the political situation has been limited by the lack of a unified government and the deep divisions within the Haitian political class. In this environment, the UN’s support has been focused on building a framework for dialogue between political factions and supporting the technical preparations needed for elections. However, such efforts have been stymied by the ongoing insecurity and political gridlock.

Economic Decline and Humanitarian Crisis

Haiti’s political instability has contributed to a severe economic decline. The country’s GDP has contracted, inflation has soared, and the cost of living has become unaffordable for many Haitians. Public services have collapsed, and the informal sector, which constitutes a significant portion of Haiti’s economy, has been severely disrupted by the gang violence. The already fragile healthcare and education systems have further deteriorated, making it even more difficult for citizens to access essential services.

The economic crisis has deepened the humanitarian situation in Haiti. With the country’s infrastructure in ruins and poverty rates at historically high levels, Haitians are increasingly dependent on international aid for survival. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to meet the needs of the population due to the security situation and logistical challenges posed by the ongoing violence.

The dire economic conditions have also contributed to a sense of frustration and hopelessness among the population. Many Haitians feel that their voices are not being heard, and they are increasingly disengaging from the political process. This disengagement has further undermined the legitimacy of the political system and made the goal of holding elections by 2026 even more difficult to achieve.

The Path Forward

Despite the many challenges, the international community and some Haitian political leaders continue to push for the organization of elections by 2026. However, this will require significant efforts to restore security, build political consensus, and ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent.

The first step in achieving this goal is to address the growing influence of armed gangs. International support for Haitian security forces, combined with targeted interventions to dismantle criminal networks, will be essential in restoring order and creating a safe environment for elections. Without this security foundation, it is unlikely that Haiti will be able to conduct meaningful elections.

Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to establish political dialogue between rival factions. This dialogue must be inclusive and aim to build a broad-based consensus on the rules and structures that will govern Haiti’s future. It is essential that all political groups and civil society organizations are involved in the process to ensure that elections are seen as legitimate and represent the will of the Haitian people.

The international community will also play a critical role in providing the technical and financial support needed for the electoral process. The UN and other international partners must assist in strengthening Haiti’s electoral institutions and supporting the independent bodies responsible for overseeing elections. Given the country’s history of electoral fraud and violence, ensuring the integrity of the process will be a significant challenge.

Conclusion

Haiti’s goal to elect a new president by 2026 is increasingly endangered by political setbacks, gang violence, and economic instability. The country’s path to a stable and democratic future requires urgent action from both domestic and international actors. While the challenges are immense, there remains hope that, with the right support and a genuine commitment to dialogue, Haiti can overcome its current crisis and chart a path toward a brighter future for its people. The next few years will be critical in determining whether the country can achieve its electoral goals and restore some degree of stability.

Digisphere
Digispherehttps://haiti.org.uk/
For Professional content. Contact me at: opheliairis.us@gmail.com

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