Haiti police stretched by gangs as key election is planned

Haitian General Elections Amidst Gang Violence

Authorities in Haiti are developing a plan to conduct general elections this year despite ongoing gang violence, according to André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, the interim head of Haiti’s National Police as of August 2025. Although detailed information has not been provided, more updates are anticipated soon.

The Haitian government intends to hold general elections in late August, followed by a runoff in early December. The Provisional Electoral Council will open registrations for political parties and candidates from March 2 to March 12.

Security Challenges and Police Efforts

Haiti has not conducted general elections in over a decade, with gang violence escalating since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The violence has displaced approximately 1.4 million people and disrupted businesses and schools.

UN statistics indicate that in the last year, over 5,900 people have been killed, and more than 2,700 injured. Paraison aims to increase police numbers to enhance security, having recently graduated nearly 900 cadets. However, more personnel are needed to meet international standards, which suggest at least two officers per 1,000 inhabitants.

Ongoing Operations and International Collaboration

Despite limited resources, the police have conducted operations in gang-controlled areas, reclaiming locations like Carrefour-Aéroport. The police frequently report on the number of suspected gang members neutralized during these operations.

The gangs, heavily armed with weapons smuggled primarily from the U.S., pose a significant threat. Experts estimate up to half a million small arms are present in Haiti, including sophisticated weaponry.

The Haitian National Police collaborates with a UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police, which is currently underfunded and understaffed. A gang suppression force is expected to replace this mission in the coming months.

Based on reporting by Africanews.