PM Alexis’s new 6-party coalition cabinet sworn in 9 June. New outbreak of violence in Port-au-Prince slums left dozen dead and kidnappings increased as police continued crackdown on banditry. Haiti reinstated to Caricom after 28-month suspension, while EU increased development aid.

In positive move toward peace, René Préval inaugurated as president 14 May and parliament sworn in 9 May. Préval nominated close political ally Jacques Edouard Alexis as PM; senate and chamber of deputies approved appointment. Security continued to improve, but tensions remained, particularly in Cité Soleil slum.

Relatively calm second round parliamentary elections held 21 April with 30% voter turnout. President-elect Préval’s Lespwa party captured largest number of seats (11 of 27 senate, 20 of 85 lower house), but will need to form alliances. Additional election observers and UN peacekeepers deployed to 37 “trouble spots”: despite quiet in Port-au-Prince, 1 killed in Grande Saline and election observer wounded in Artibonite

Situation showed signs of improvement, with decline in kidnappings and attacks on UN mission since February elections. Government announced delayed second round of parliamentary polls to be held 21 April. Inauguration of president-elect René Préval expected 14 May. Préval met key Latin America leaders and U.S. president; called on UN Security Council for more aid.

Former President René Préval declared winner of long- awaited 7 February presidential and parliamentary elections with just over 51% of vote. Voting generally peaceful after chaotic start, with 63% participation despite long lines and distances to polling stations: 3 died, including 1 police officer. Voting irregularities slowed vote count and triggered days of mass protests throughout country calling for Préval to be declared winner without run-off vote. Préval officially declared winner 15 February, after authorities reached deal on allocation of blank ballots; main rivals disputed results. UN Security Council renewed MINUSTAH’s mandate for 6 months.

Parliamentary and first round of presidential elections, already postponed 4 times, set for 7 February. Distribution of voter ID cards over 80%, list of voting centres finalised and poll workers’ training nearly complete. Security situation in Port-au- Prince remained dire and UN mission head Valdes acknowledged civilians could be harmed in operation to establish calm in volatile Cité Soleil slum. 2 peacekeepers killed in attack on Cité Soleil checkpoint, day after protest against kidnappings and out-of-control crime paralysed capital. Violence erupted along Dominican Republic border as police and peacekeepers clashed with protestors after 24 illegal Haitian migrants found dead in van. Brazilian Gen. Jose Elito Carvalho de Siqueira appointed commander of MINUSTAH after previous UN commander committed suicide 7 January.

Presidential and parliamentary elections delayed at least until end January, as preparations remained incomplete. Visit by Dominican President Fernandez mid-month marred by violent protests against alleged abuse of Haitian migrants in Dominican Republic. 5 Supreme Court justices fired for ruling - against wishes of interim government - that Haitian-born U.S. millionaire Dumarsais Simeus could run in elections. 2 UN peacekeepers killed in separate incidents around volatile Cité Soleil slum.

Presidential and legislative elections postponed for third time to 8 January due to security, logistics and likely shortage of international observers over Christmas period. Schedule provides for second round 15 February and local elections early March. UN troops established permanent presence in Cite Militaire slum to quell gang violence after 4 killed in clashes with peacekeepers. Police fired or jailed 50 officers in effort to clean up force, including 14 formally changed in connection with killings at August football match.

Presidential and parliamentary elections postponed for third time.  New date mid-December  doubtful: over  3 million registered but preparations inadequate. UN Security Council called for vetting corrupt officers and human rights violators in Haitian police. Interim government controversially decided Supreme Court cannot overrule election officials.

Preparations for elections overshadowed by kidnappings and violence. Over 30 presidential candidates registered but provisional electoral council warned elections may be delayed without international help. Ousted President Aristide’s Lavalas party, with widespread support in Port-au- Prince slums, barred from registering jailed priest Gerard Jean- Juste. Jailed former PM Yvon Neptune formally charged 20 September with suspect evidence of masterminding killings of political opponents 2004. UN-based Core Group of foreign ministers and MINUSTAH expressed concern on electoral preparations, lack of police reform and disarmament of illegal groups, and prosecution of government opponents.