Haiti Announces Elections for Year-End, Contingent on Security

Haitian electoral authorities have announced that presidential and legislative elections will take place on December 13, 2026, with a potential second round on February 21, 2027. This announcement marks a significant step towards restoring democratic institutions in a country that has not held elections since 2016 and whose last president was assassinated in 2021.

The electoral calendar, published by the Provisional Electoral Council, explicitly states that the holding of these elections is conditional upon "the establishment of an acceptable security climate and the necessary financial resources." This conditionality highlights the immense challenge posed by the pervasive gang violence that has crippled the Caribbean nation.

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The respect of these deadlines depends on the establishment of an acceptable security climate and the necessary financial resources for the continuation of electoral operations.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has welcomed the announcement, describing it as an "essential step" long awaited by Haitian stakeholders and the international community. Caricom believes the publication of the calendar will accelerate preparatory stages, including the registration of political parties and voters.

However, the path to these elections remains fraught with difficulties. Haiti faces a deep-seated political, economic, and security crisis, exacerbated in recent years by escalating gang activity, including murders, kidnappings, and the recruitment of children. Approximately 1.5 million people are displaced due to the violence. A UN-backed Gang Suppression Force is being assembled to support local police, but its full deployment and effectiveness are yet to be seen.

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an essential step