Haiti’s transitional council voted today to decide who the country’s next president would be. Edgard Leblanc, former president of the Senate, “won the nomination with four votes, including his own, in favor, though tensions were still evident in a ceremony announcing the decision.” (Reuters)
The transitional council, which was established last week, has seven voting members and two non-voting members. In addition to choosing a president and prime minister, it is also in charge of “appointing a cabinet, co-signing orders and establishing a provisional electoral council,” as well as helping Haiti arrange presidential elections before February 2026, which is when its mandate disbands. These would be Haiti’s first elections since 2016. (Reuters, CNN)
In the same meeting, Fritz Bélizaire was chosen as the country’s prime minister with four votes from the council. Bélizaire, whose election came as a surprise to many even on the council, had served as the country’s sports minister from 2006 to 2011. Ariel Henry, the former prime minister, had resigned last week. (The Guardian)
As Voice of America notes, “The vote is the next step in efforts to restore stability and order in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.” In an interview with CNN, Haitian gang leader Vitel’homme Innocent proclaimed that gangs are opposed to the transitional council, calling it “more of the same.”
El Salvador
El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly voted yesterday to modify the laws regarding amending the constitution, La Prensa Gráfica reports. According to the approved reforms, legislators will be able to vote on constitutional changes in the congressional period it was introduced in, instead of in the following legislative period.
“The primary cause of displacement [in El Salvador] has shifted from gangs to the National Civil Police (PNC), notes Jordi Amaral in Americas Migration Brief. (Prensa Latina).
Argentina
Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies approved the revised version of Milei’s Omnibus bill today, giving the president an important boost, says Reuters. The bill, which includes policies for labor reform and the privatization of state-owned businesses, will now be voted on in the Senate.
El País assesses the international response to Milei’s economic reforms, and notes the social polarization that some of his “shock therapy” policies have caused within Argentina.
Venezuelans make up the largest immigrant population in Argentina, reports La Nación. (via Americas Migration Brief)
Mexico
Opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez took advantage of Mexico’s second presidential debate to go on the offensive against current frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum, even accusing Sheinbaum of corruption, reports Bloomberg.
AP notes that, despite migration being a prime campaign topic for US politicians running for office, the issue is not as prominent in Mexican political debates. (via Americas Migration Brief)
Peru
Chinese port operator Cosco Shipping may file an international arbitration process against the Peruvian government, regarding “legal dispute regarding exclusivity rights,” says Reuters. The Peruvian government is seeking to avoid arbitration, and hopes to negotiate a solution.
Brazil
A large indigenous protest was carried out in Brasilia last week, “calling for the government to increase security in indigenous territory, recognize community land claims, and the proposed construction of a new rail system,” says Atlas News.
Regional
Reuters reports on worsening diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Mexico, as Ecuador announced yesterday it would be taking Mexico to the International Court of Justice. Ecuador believes that “Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal,” while Mexico “questioned why Ecuador waited weeks to file its lawsuit.”
Ámbito analyzes the economic dependence of Uruguay on Argentina, and Brazil, especially in the context of increasing regional dependence on China.
Uruguay
Former Uruguayan president José “Pepe” Mujica announced he has a tumor in his stomach that is difficult to treat, says CNN en Español.