February 7, 2026, is expected to mark the end of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). As this deadline approaches, one conclusion is unavoidable: the transition has failed to stabilize the country, either in terms of security or institutional governance. Haiti remains without elected officials, and the idea of organizing a presidential election in the near future is gaining traction within the CPT.
This scenario, presented as a way to restore authority at the top of the state, raises serious concerns. The country has never been more fragmented, and holding a presidential election under current conditions appears highly uncertain. Historically, presidential elections in Haiti have often been followed by disputes, even when results seemed clear. Low voter turnout or perceived irregularities have repeatedly fueled debates over the legitimacy of the head of state.
Today, the environment is even more unfavorable. More than 90 percent of the capital and its metropolitan area are under the control of armed groups. Artibonite, one of the country’s most populous departments, is also experiencing a significant deterioration in security. As a result, a large portion of the population would effectively be excluded from the electoral process, and a president elected under such conditions would likely face immediate challenges to their legitimacy.
In this context, an alternative deserves serious consideration: the reestablishment—albeit partial—of Haiti’s Parliament. Since 2018, the country has operated within a pronounced institutional vacuum, without a legislature capable of balancing executive power or structuring national debate. Even a reduced Parliament could help restore a constitutional framework to the transition.
Admittedly, organizing legislative elections presents challenges similar to those of a presidential vote. Certain constituencies—particularly in the West, Center, and Artibonite departments—would likely be unable to participate due to insecurity. This would require accepting the idea of a truncated Parliament, composed only of representatives elected in areas where voting can take place without major constraints.
Under such a scenario, the National Assembly could consist of approximately 21 senators and between 82 and 92 representatives*, depending on developments on the ground. While far from ideal, this configuration would remain broadly representative. The 2015 legislative elections demonstrated the diversity of Haiti’s political landscape, with 21 parties or political groupings represented in Parliament. It is reasonable to expect that a reduced assembly would still reflect a plurality of viewpoints.
In municipalities not directly affected by violence, local elections could also be held, allowing the country to regain more than 200 elected representatives. This would help restore a minimum level of institutional structure and provide clearer mandates for those in government.
Within this framework, a president elected by the National Assembly and a prime minister approved by Parliament would enjoy stronger procedural legitimacy than leaders appointed through political arrangements or international pressure, as has been the case in recent years.
Several countries have held elections during periods of acute crisis, sometimes in the midst of armed conflict. Haiti, despite the particular challenges it faces, could draw lessons from these experiences to move toward a gradual rebuilding of its institutions.
At a time when quick fixes are tempting, it is worth recalling that lasting stability is often achieved through the patient and methodical restoration of democratic structures. For Haiti, that reconstruction could begin with Parliament.
D. Alain Menelas
*Certain areas would need to be excluded from the process, particularly the three departments most severely affected by violence. Specifically:
7 constituencies in Artibonite (including Dessalines and Saint-Marc).
14 constituencies in the West (including Port-au-Prince and Croix-des-Bouquets),
6 constituencies in the Center (including Mirebalais and Lascahobas),
C.Paribus Management 