Haiti calls for international backing as election preparations advance

Haiti's Foreign Affairs Minister, Raina Forbin, has appealed to the international community for continued support as the nation prepares for elections. Addressing the UN Security Council, Forbin emphasized the urgent need for "free, credible, inclusive and above all participatory elections" to restore faith in democratic processes and pave the way for lasting peace and stability. She highlighted that the aspirations of Haiti's 12 million citizens hinge on these elections.

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This is what 12 million men, women and children in Haiti are hoping for.

Forbin reported that seven of Haiti's ten departments are ready for electoral activities, but the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) is critical for the remaining three. This 5,550-strong UN-backed multinational security mission is essential to guarantee that all Haitian citizens can freely exercise their right to choose their leaders without fear of impediment. The GSF, authorized under UN Security Council Resolution 2793, works in coordination with the Haitian National Police to secure infrastructure and protect civilians, aiming to neutralize armed groups controlling parts of the capital.

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Security is a necessary bedrock for legitimate elections. The Government has taken significant steps to restore security.

The minister stressed that security is the fundamental basis for legitimate elections. She detailed significant steps taken by the government to enhance security, including training over 2,000 police personnel since January and recruiting 1,500 new members for the armed forces. The government aims to reinforce the national police by 4,000 personnel and the armed forces by 1,500 servicemen by the end of the year. Forbin also underscored the profound impact of the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis on Haiti's children, calling for collective efforts to restore lasting security so they can grow up in peace and receive education.

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Our objective is clear. Aggressively consolidating Haitian security institutions so that they can uphold our country’s security.