The United Nations Security Council last week voted unanimously to deploy an additional 680 police to Haiti to help ensure stability as the country recovers from the January 12 earthquake.

The group said it was adding the personnel "as a temporary surge capacity with clearly defined objectives and a particular focus on building the capacity of the Haitian national police."

According to the resolution, the 15-member group’s stabilization mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) would now consist of an 8,940 military and 4,391 police personnel.

With general elections and the subsequent constitutional transfer of power looming, MINUSTAH is expected to keep its security presence high and review it based on developments that may derive from the elections.

The Haitian government recently proposed a three month extension of President Rene Préval’s term, if the country cannot carry out the elections slated for November.

This would allow Préval, whose term is up next February 7, to remain in office until May 14, 2011.

There have been protests and complaints from some quarters that Préval is attempting to hold on to power, and that he is using the earthquake to allow a takeover of the country.

Historically, Haiti has had a number of volatile elections and if there is no one in office between the end of Préval’s term and the installation of a new leader, officials fear it might open up possibilities for political unrest. However, the extension would apply only if the presidential elections are not held by November 28.

The UN mission is expected to provide logistical support and technical expertise to help Haitian authorities to maintain law and order as the government tries to resettle people left homeless by the earthquake.