Haiti Forms Provisional Electoral Council Ahead of First Elections Since 2016

Haiti’s government has established a provisional electoral council, a significant step supported by the international community, as the country prepares for its first general elections since 2016. Smith Augustin, a member of the transitional presidential council, confirmed the creation of the council, which currently includes seven members, with two additional members expected to be announced soon.
This council represents various sectors, including farmers, journalists, human rights activists, and the Vodou community, and is tasked with organizing elections and developing the necessary legal framework.
Haiti has been without a president since July 2021 and last held elections in 2016. The previous electoral council was dissolved in September 2021 by former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who claimed it was “partisan,” a move that delayed elections originally scheduled for November 2021. Critics accused Henry of trying to maintain power, which he denied. He was appointed prime minister shortly after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, which created a significant political vacuum.
Following a wave of gang violence and attacks on government infrastructure, Henry resigned earlier this year, leading to the formation of the transitional presidential council, which is tasked with holding presidential elections by February 2026.
With the expiration of terms for the last democratically elected senators in January 2023, Haiti has lacked a functioning legislative body since October 2019, during which time Moïse ruled by decree. The establishment of the electoral council is seen as a crucial step toward restoring democratic governance in Haiti.