Haiti prepares for elections under gang threat: what the UN told the Council

The UN Security Council heard a briefing on Haiti from Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu on 19 October. According to the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, he reported significant progress in electoral preparations despite continuing gang violence and insecurity.

The envoy pointed to steps to broaden participation, including provisions facilitating women’s candidacies. He also urged realistic electoral timelines and continued political dialogue. Progress on procedures does not mean a safe election date has been fixed or that voters in every district can freely reach a polling place.

In the envoy’s assessment, security operations alone cannot produce durable stability. Stronger state institutions, disarmament and reintegration, and sustained international support are also needed. That is his assessment, not a prediction that the crisis will end soon. The next developments to watch are security arrangements for polling places, candidate registration and voter access, especially in areas affected by armed groups.

Cover: editorial illustration.

Source: UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.