Haiti election drive stalled by gang violence, UN urges faster security force

The United Nations Security Council highlighted recent progress in Haiti’s political transition, noting the approval of a revised electoral decree, agreement on an election budget and the launch of voter registration for roughly 6.5 million eligible citizens in nine of the country’s ten departments. Registration excludes the West department, which remains largely controlled by armed gangs.

UN officials warned that gangs have expanded beyond territorial control to seize institutions and key economic circuits, turning Haiti into a logistical hub for drug trafficking and a conduit for illegal weapons. UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma called for a coordinated regional response to cut the flow of arms, drugs and illicit money.

Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, speaking before the Council, urged the rapid deployment of the United Nations‑mandated Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Only about a thousand of the authorized 5,550 troops are currently in Haiti, and logistical air‑transport constraints hinder full deployment. Álvarez stressed that security must precede credible elections, stating, “It is security that will make elections possible.”