Haiti Plans General Elections Amid Ongoing Security Crisis

Haiti's transitional council president, Leslie Voltaire, has announced that general elections are scheduled for November 15, 2025, marking the first elections since 2016. This announcement aims to restore constitutional order after a prolonged political crisis exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Voltaire emphasized the necessity for a legitimate government to be in place by February 7, 2026, despite ongoing challenges posed by armed gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince and worsening humanitarian conditions affecting over 5 million people. Given the volatile security situation, there are concerns about the feasibility of conducting fair elections, particularly in regions dominated by gang violence. Voltaire acknowledged that the electoral plan may be overly ambitious, as elections are intended to be held in areas less affected by gang control. Discussions have also included potential political engagement with gang coalitions amid ongoing corruption allegations against the current administration.