Haitis Prime Minister questions presidential election timeline amid growing gang violence

Haiti’s Prime Minister Fils-Aime Postpones Presidential Elections Due to Security Concerns

Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime has announced that the country will not be able to hold presidential elections as scheduled for August due to ongoing security concerns. The decision was made on Monday, following a surge in violence between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince, which has forced hospitals to evacuate patients and hundreds of people to flee their homes.

The clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 1.4 million people, according to the International Organization for Migration. The violence has also limited the ability of authorities to guarantee a free and fair voting process.

Fils-Aime stated that the security conditions are not currently suitable for elections to take place in August. He expressed his desire to hold elections by the end of the year, with a first-round vote scheduled for December 30.

The country’s electoral council had previously approved over 280 political parties to compete in the elections. However, the violence has made it difficult for authorities to quell the fighting and curb the influence of criminal groups.

In response to the violence, Doctors Without Borders announced the evacuation of its hospital in the Cite Soleil neighborhood on Monday. The hospital reported treating over 40 gunshot victims within 12 hours and providing temporary shelter to 800 people fleeing the violence.

The situation remains tense, with local business leaders reporting that the fighting near the capital’s port and international airport involves the Chen Mechan gang and its partners. The renewed violence comes after a Kenyan-led mission in Haiti left the country as part of a restructuring of a UN-backed force mandated to support Haiti’s security forces.

Fils-Aime took office on February 7, following a transitional presidential council. His comments on Monday were broadcast on Magik9 radio and reported by Le Nouvelliste newspaper.

Source: Al Jazeera