Haiti signs national pact, sets stage for 2026 elections

Haiti remains entrenched in a multidimensional crisis defined by political instability, weak institutions and escalating gang violence, but a newly signed political agreement is offering what the United Nations describes as a “moment of hope and progress” for the country.

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Haiti, said the recently established National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections represents a “significant political act” aligned with national priorities.

Speaking from the capital, Port-au-Prince, Ruiz Massieu said the agreement supports efforts toward restoring security, organising credible elections and re-establishing democratic governance.

Haiti has not held elections since a protracted 2015–2017 electoral cycle that brought the late President Jovenel Moïse to power. The country has been without an elected head of state since his assassination in 2021, with successive interim administrations overseeing governance amid ongoing instability.

The absence of strong governance has contributed to the rapid expansion of armed gangs, which now control large portions of the capital and surrounding areas. These groups have undermined the rule of law and carried out widespread human rights abuses, including killings, kidnappings, recruitment of children and sexual violence.

More than 8,100 killings were documented in 2025 alone, while gang activity has displaced an estimated 1.5 million people—many already living in poverty—worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

The situation has also taken on regional implications, including the trafficking of drugs and weapons and increased migration flows, underscoring the broader impact of Haiti’s prolonged instability.

Despite the challenges, Haitian authorities, with support from the international community, are working toward long-delayed elections. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has indicated that municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections could be held by the end of the year.

An electoral calendar sets the first round of legislative and presidential elections for August 20, with a possible second round and municipal polls scheduled for December 6. Reports indicate that roughly 300 political parties and groups have already registered to participate.

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The United Nations Security Council, alongside regional partners such as Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States, continues to play a central role in supporting Haiti’s transition.

In a recent resolution, the Security Council urged Haitian stakeholders to reach consensus on the country’s governing structure while expressing concern over slow progress in advancing the political transition. It also highlighted institutional reforms, including the establishment of specialised judicial bodies to address corruption, gang violence and sexual crimes.

The UN’s political mission in Haiti, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, is tasked with facilitating dialogue and supporting a Haitian-led transition process. Its mandate runs through January 2027.

UN support efforts include advancing national dialogue, strengthening judicial institutions, promoting human rights protections and assisting with plans for disarmament and reintegration programmes aimed at reducing community violence.

While international support remains critical, UN officials stress that lasting progress will depend on consensus among Haitian stakeholders.

With 2026 widely viewed as a pivotal year, the success of the proposed elections will hinge on improvements in security and political cooperation—key factors in determining whether Haiti can move toward a stable and democratic future.