Haiti has established a temporary electoral council tasked with preparing the nation for its first general elections since 2016 amidst ongoing political turmoil. The council, unveiled on Wednesday and announced via the social media platform X by the prime minister’s office, consists of seven members representing various community sectors including farmers, journalists, human rights activists, and the Vodou community. This body is responsible for developing a legal framework for the upcoming elections, scheduled to occur by 2026, and for organizing the electoral process.
However, the council still has vacancies for two seats—one designated for human rights groups and another for women’s rights organizations, which are expected to be filled soon. According to Smith Augustin, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, the appointments of the remaining members are anticipated in the near future, as the council must comprise nine members by law.
The political landscape in Haiti has been particularly unstable following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, leading to a power vacuum with no president currently in office. The country also faces significant security challenges with armed gangs controlling approximately 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and extending their influence across most regions.
This new electoral council follows the dissolution of a previous council in 2021 under then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed office after Moise’s assassination but was ousted earlier this year. In the interim government formed in May, Garry Conille was appointed as the prime minister, a role that is conventionally shared with the president in Haiti’s governance structure.
Internationally, only Kenya and Jamaica have contributed troops to a United Nations-backed mission against gang violence in Haiti. This mission is currently under review for renewal or potential transformation into a formal UN peacekeeping operation, as indicated by a draft resolution, which would ensure sustained funding and operational continuity.
