October elections are far from guaranteed in Haiti

Significance

Ever since a contested presidential election polarised the country in October last year, Haiti has been in a state of political gridlock. The electoral authority controversially annulled that vote on June 6, barely a week before Privert's 120-day mandate ended. Frustration is mounting over the prospect of new elections (planned for October) and the country is without a leader.

Impacts

• The legislative agenda will remain paralysed, with any interim government focused almost entirely on electoral issues.
• International frustration over delays could prompt threats to cut assistance to Haiti, albeit not to humanitarian aid.
• Illegal migration to the Dominican Republic may increase as a result of Haiti's instability.