SAN JUAN – In a significant development for Haiti’s political landscape, the transitional presidential council has endorsed a new electoral law, paving the way for the nation’s first general election in almost ten years.

This endorsement, which came late on Monday, marks a crucial step forward as it allows the government to finally release a much-anticipated official electoral timeline. Concerns had been mounting that the council might delay the election dates to extend their hold on power.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, the Council President, hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for the country.

“We must provide the Haitian people with the chance to elect their leaders freely and responsibly,” he expressed on X. “By making this important move, and while remaining steadfast in our efforts to restore security, we assert our commitment to steering Haiti back towards democratic legitimacy and stability.”

The approval of this electoral law comes amidst internal tensions within the council, with some members advocating for the removal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Notably, this includes Fritz Alphonse Jean, who has recently faced sanctions from the U.S. government.

Some believe that U.S. visa restrictions, like the one imposed on Jean, are being used as a threat to try and influence Haiti’s politics.

Three of seven council members with voting powers weren’t present for Monday’s meeting, where the electoral law was approved, including Jean, according to Le Nouvelliste newspaper.

Council member Frinel Joseph, who voted in favor of the law, said that it marked “a decisive turning point” in the transition of power and that it provided Haiti “with the necessary legal and political framework for holding elections.”

Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council has said it plans to hold the first round of voting in August and the final round in December next year, although ongoing gang violence could push back those dates.

Meanwhile, the transitional presidential council is supposed to step down by Feb. 7 to give way to democratic rule.

Haiti last held a general election in 2016 and hasn’t had a president since Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in July 2021.

The transitional presidential council was appointed after the killing, and the prime ministers that have served since the killing have been nominated by the council.