remains trapped in a multidimensional crisis marked by weak institutions, political uncertainty, widespread gang violence, and overwhelming humanitarian needs. However, a recently reached political agreement among several Haitian groups offers what the United Nations describes as “a moment of hope and progress for the Haitian people.”
No elections have been held in the Caribbean nation since the extended electoral cycle from 2015 to 2017, which brought Jovenel Moïse to power as president. Since his assassination in 2021, Haiti has been without an elected head of state.
In the years that followed, a series of interim administrations have managed the country’s affairs while awaiting the organization of new elections.
Speaking from Port-au-Prince, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, described the newly signed National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections as a significant political step forward. According to him, the agreement directly addresses the country’s most urgent priorities: restoring security, organizing credible elections, and rebuilding democratic governance.
Why the Political Situation Matters
A stable government is essential to improving the daily lives of Haitians. Weak governance and insecurity have allowed armed gangs to expand their territorial control, undermine the rule of law, and commit serious human rights violations.
These include killings—more than 8,100 recorded in 2025—kidnappings for ransom, the recruitment of children, and widespread sexual violence, including gang rapes targeting women and girls.
Gang violence has also displaced around 1.5 million people, many of whom were already living in poverty before the country’s economic collapse worsened their conditions.
The prolonged political transition in Haiti is not only a domestic issue. It also has regional implications, particularly regarding drug and arms trafficking by gangs and the migration of Haitian citizens abroad.
When Could Elections Take Place?
The United Nations and the broader international community have consistently maintained that any lasting political solution must be Haitian-led.
Authorities are currently working toward organizing municipal, legislative, and presidential elections. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has reportedly indicated that these elections could take place before the end of 2026.
What Does the International Community Say?
The United Nations Security Council plays a central role in monitoring the situation, alongside regional organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which are actively working with Haiti to address its longstanding challenges.
The Security Council, composed of 15 member states, meets at least four times a year to discuss developments in Haiti.
In its latest resolution, the Council urged all Haitian stakeholders to reach an agreement on the country’s future governance structure, while expressing deep concern about the slow progress of the political transition.
The resolution also highlighted recent institutional steps, including a 2025 decree establishing specialized courts tasked with handling corruption, gang violence, and sexual crimes—reforms considered critical to restoring the rule of law and political credibility.
Despite these measures, persistent insecurity, weak institutions, and political fragmentation continue to delay progress toward elections and constitutional governance.
The Role of the United Nations
The United Nations plays a key political and coordinating role through the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
The mission, led by Carlos Ruiz Massieu, has a mandate running until January 2027. The Security Council emphasizes that the mission’s “good offices” role is essential for facilitating a transparent and Haitian-led transition.
BINUH operates alongside several other UN structures, including:
- The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), which provides logistical, technical, and administrative support to the Gang Suppression Force, a UN-supported security initiative.
- UN agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP), which deliver humanitarian and development assistance.
How the UN Supports the Transition
UN support for Haiti’s political transition integrates political mediation, security initiatives, justice reform, and human rights monitoring, including:
- Facilitating national dialogue and the constitutional process
- Supporting justice reform and specialized courts addressing corruption and mass crimes
- Strengthening judicial institutions and prison administration
- Assisting in the development of a national disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program
- Coordinating with international partners to reduce community violence
- Monitoring and documenting human rights violations, including sexual violence
- Supporting Haitian authorities in strengthening human rights protections
Next Steps
Expectations are high for 2026, as the country prepares for long-awaited elections.
According to reports, around 300 political parties or groups have registered to participate. The proposed electoral calendar schedules:
- First round of legislative and presidential elections: August 20
- Second round (if necessary) and municipal elections: December 6
To meet these deadlines, Haiti must first stabilize its security environment and create conditions that allow for a free and fair vote.
The United Nations continues to facilitate dialogue, support electoral preparations, strengthen judicial institutions, and promote accountability. Ultimately, however, progress will depend on the ability of Haitian political actors to reach consensus.
Overcoming political divisions is essential to improving security, reducing displacement, and preventing further economic collapse.
A credible political transition remains a critical step toward Haiti’s national recovery.
