Haiti socio-political crisis and instability

Haiti is experiencing a profound socio-political crisis characterized by extreme poverty, high inflation, and a lack of a functioning Congress or president for several years. Following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the nation has faced widespread violence, extortion, and looting by armed gangs, leading to its classification as a failed state.

In response to this instability, the Provisional Electoral Council has scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections for December 13, with a potential runoff in February 2027. This marks the first attempt at elections in a decade.

However, the feasibility of the vote is being questioned by activists and observers due to the security landscape. Armed groups are estimated to control between 70 percent and 90 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Critics argue that international actors may be prioritizing an election calendar over essential security guarantees, noting that recent violence, such as a massacre in Kenscoff that killed 47 people, makes campaigning and polling potentially impossible.