Key facts
- Haiti began voter registration on Thursday in its capital and other areas.
- The country has not held general elections in over a decade, with the last president assassinated in 2021.
- Widespread gang violence has displaced over 1.4 million people and controls an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince.
- Concerns persist about the safety of voters and the potential for gang influence on election outcomes.
- The government is also pushing for a constitutional referendum on the same day as the elections.
Voter registration commenced in Haiti's capital and other areas on Thursday, a significant step towards holding general elections for the first time in over a decade. The process is unfolding under the shadow of pervasive gang violence, which has displaced over 1.4 million people and controls an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and key national roads.
Despite the security challenges, Haiti's unelected prime minister faces pressure to conduct elections, with the first round scheduled for December 13. Dozens of hopeful citizens, like construction worker Vadley Bernadel, expressed a desire to vote, citing the country's multiple crises and the need for leadership. However, many, including lawyer Francky Cavetan, view the current security situation as too perilous for voting or campaigning.
Analysts like Diego Da Rin from the International Crisis Group warn that a large portion of the electorate may be excluded if elections proceed under current conditions, as powerful gangs continue to control vast territories. While police and a UN-backed mission have made some gains, Da Rin stated that organizing elections in gang-controlled areas is not feasible. The Provisional Electoral Council president, Jacques Desrosiers, plans to expand registration centers, but acknowledges the government's role in ensuring safety.
Concerns also extend to the potential for gang influence on election outcomes, a tactic historically used by elites to intimidate voters or manipulate results. Furthermore, many citizens are reportedly unaware of an upcoming constitutional referendum scheduled for the same day as the elections, raising questions about transparency and public understanding of proposed changes.