Haiti Sets Presidential Election for December After Security Crisis Delays

PORT-AU-PRINCE, July 27 (Reuters) — Haiti’s electoral council on Monday set new dates for presidential elections that have been repeatedly postponed as the country grapples with a deepening security crisis. In a statement, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) said the first round of the general and presidential vote would take place on December 13, with a second round — combined with local elections — scheduled for February 21, 2024. Final results for both the presidential and legislative contests are expected by March 7.

The announcement marks a critical step toward restoring democratic order in a nation that has been without an elected president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Since then, Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s interim government has struggled to contain powerful armed gangs that control large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have disrupted daily life, fueling a humanitarian crisis. The vote was originally slated for late 2021 but was delayed multiple times due to worsening violence, political infighting, and logistical challenges.

The new timeline comes amid mounting international pressure for Haiti to hold elections as a pathway to stability. The United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have urged the government to set a firm date, while the U.S. has pledged support for security efforts. However, skeptics question whether the electoral body can overcome deep-seated mistrust among voters, ensure safety at polling stations, and curb gang interference. The CEP’s move is seen as a tentative but significant signal that Haiti may be inching toward a political reset, though the road remains fraught with risks.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Iñigo Alexander)