New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Voter registration began Thursday in Haiti's capital and beyond, marking a critical milestone in the push for general elections even as concerns over widespread gang violence persist.

The government opened 10 registration centers across Port-au-Prince in neighborhoods considered generally safe as dozens of hopeful Haitians trickled through.

"This may be the first time that I'm going to vote," said 34-year-old construction worker Vadley Bernadel.

Haiti hasn't held general elections in more than a decade, and the country hasn't had a president since President Jovenel Moise was killed at his private residence in July 2021.

Gang violence has only surged since then, but Haiti's unelected prime minister is under pressur...