Haiti elections ‘impossible’ by 2026 government turnover deadline

Haiti’s electoral council said ongoing violence and lack of funds make holding elections ‘materially impossible,’ an apparent failure in filling the mandate that ushered in the transitional government.

The president of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Jacques Desrosiers, put an end to speculation about the elections slated for this month by finally saying it is not feasible to organize elections in 2025. However, Desrosiers said, the CEP will continue its preparations for Haitians to eventually elect a government of their choosing.

“It is materially impossible to hold elections before Feb 7,” Desrosiers said, referencing the 2026 date by which the current provisional government is to turn over the reins to newly elected officials.

“We will technically do everything required at the level of the Electoral Council to organize the elections,” he added. “But there must be an improvement in security and the necessary funds must be made available for the process.”