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Haiti's electoral council has scheduled the country's first presidential elections in a decade for December 13, with a runoff vote set for February 21, 2027, according to multiple reports. The announcement comes as voter registration begins in parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, even as gang violence continues to grip the country.

Coverage comparison

Africa News reported that voter registration began Thursday in Haiti's capital and beyond, marking a critical milestone in the push for general elections even as concerns over widespread gang violence persist. The outlet noted that the government opened 10 registration centers in neighborhoods considered generally safe, with dozens of hopeful Haitians trickling through. It also highlighted that armed men control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and the main roads leading to the Central and Artibonite provinces.

France 24 and RFI reported that the electoral council (CEP) announced the new schedule on July 28, setting a first round of presidential and legislative elections for December 13, with a potential runoff on February 21, 2027, and the publication of final results set for March 7. Both outlets noted that earlier plans to hold the vote in August were postponed over security concerns. The calendar also includes a constitutional referendum and local elections, according to the reports.

TASS, reporting from the United Nations, focused on Russia's expression of concern over delays in election preparations. Russia's acting Permanent Representative to the UN, Anna Yevstigneyeva, said at a Security Council meeting that Moscow hopes final dates for the vote will be set soon and strictly adhered to.

Key Claims

  • First elections in a decade: Haiti has not held elections since 2016, as reported by France 24, RFI, and Africa News. The last president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in 2021 after delaying a vote.
  • Electoral schedule: The CEP set the first round for December 13, with a runoff on February 21, 2027, and final results due March 7, according to France 24 and RFI. The calendar is pending the establishment of an "acceptable security environment," the council said.
  • Voter registration: Registration began on July 20 in parts of the West Department, including Pétion-Ville, Delmas, and Tabarre, after delays due to security concerns, as reported by Africa News. The CEP said additional centers will open gradually as conditions permit.
  • Security situation: Gang violence persists, with armed men controlling an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince, according to Africa News. TASS reported that criminals control a large part of the country's territory, citing a serious security crisis since the 2021 assassination and a devastating earthquake.
  • Government commitment: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding elections, saying the government is working with the electoral council and providing funding and logistical support, as reported by Africa News.
  • International concern: Russia expressed concern over delays in preparations, with its UN envoy calling for dialogue and for Haiti to decide its future independently, according to TASS.

Perspectives

Haitian government: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stressed that the entire government is mobilised to ensure the elections are held smoothly, with the electoral law ready and funding provided to the electoral council.

Voters and analysts: Some Haitian voters expressed scepticism about holding elections amid insecurity. Agronomist Jean Claude Fleurisaint said, "We first need a climate of peace, and only then can we hold elections." Analysts are sceptical that the new election dates will remain in place given ongoing gang violence, according to France 24 and RFI.

Russia: Speaking at the UN Security Council, Russia's acting envoy expressed concern over delays and called on the interim government and all political forces to engage in dialogue, while urging an end to "harmful external interference" in Haiti's affairs.