Updated Sep 28, 2021 - World

Haiti's election postponed after PM dismisses electoral council

Ariel Henry

Ariel Henry looks on during a ceremony at La Primature in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 20. Photo: Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images

Haiti's November election has been postponed after Prime Minister Ariel Henry on Monday dismissed the nine-member council responsible for organizing elections, per Reuters.

The latest: Henry told AP Tuesday evening that a referendum to reform the country's constitution will take place by February, with presidential and legislative elections to follow shortly thereafter.

Why it matters: Haiti's elections have already been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CNN notes.

What he's saying: "The train has derailed for some time in Haiti," Henry told CNN. "We want to move as quickly as possible to the restoration of democracy through elections."

  • Henry said the current election council "cannot organize elections" and that a new council will be formed to replace them.
  • The new elections will take place in the first few months of 2022, following a review of the country's constitution, Henry told CNN.

Of note: Some lawmakers approved of the decision to dismiss the council over concerns of its legitimacy and partisanship, per Reuters.

The big picture: In recent months, Haiti has been wracked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and a recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

  • Earlier this month, Haiti's chief prosecutor asked a judge to charge Henry in connection with the July assassination.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of Henry's election pledge to AP.

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