Rising violence raises election concerns in Haiti

Significance

President Jovenel Moise is preparing for a controversial constitutional referendum in June, but with even his own party expressing concerns about it, political frustrations look set to rise further as it approaches. The situation risks exacerbating Haiti’s already dire security situation and is likely to trigger incidents of violence, particularly as Haitians head to the polls.

Impacts

• Rising violence will have a knock-on effect on security around border areas with the Dominican Republic.
• Violence and political uncertainty will continue to weigh on economic and investment prospects.
• A lack of vaccinations against COVID-19 will raise contagion risks around elections regardless of how socially distanced they may be.