One option out of Haiti's current political crisis (from 2018)

 On the eve of February 7th, when things in Haiti are about to reach their paroxysm, I cannot believe that I wrote this piece two years. 

-----

Haiti is currently facing a profound crisis, marked by widespread distrust in its leadership. President Moise's credibility has significantly diminished, and the opposition parties are not viewed as reliable alternatives. Similarly, institutions like the church and various political factions have failed to gain the public's trust. A common sentiment among Haitians is that another foreign occupation would be detrimental to the nation's future.

 

At this critical point, Haiti is in dire need of leaders who prioritize the nation's needs and possess the necessary skills and dedication to guide the country forward. Essentially, what Haiti requires most is a fundamental reset, a fresh start to rebuild. 

 

To solve this crisis, both the opposition and the president need to make sacrifices. Haiti cannot win unless both sides lose.

 

Although I disagree with President Moïse, I believe he should stay in office, but his power must be reduced. Otherwise, this uprising will have been in vain. The opposition also has a role to play, but it should not gain power. Otherwise, it will become acceptable to overthrow presidents in order to ascend to the presidency without a mandate from the people.

 

Haitians, as people of African ancestry, have a number of cultural norms and values, including respect for elders. This could be leveraged to create a negotiated outcome to the current crisis. One option is to establish a council of elders, or "conseil des sages," to help lead the country alongside the president.

 

The council members would be a cadre of professionals who would publicly agree to not seek any office (elected or nominated) for a minimum of 10 years. The president would stay in office while the board defines key policies. 

 

This council would function similarly to how a board supports a CEO, offering guidance and oversight. They would all report periodically to the public on all major decisions. Members of this council would need to fulfill three specific criteria:

1. Integrity and Character: Candidates must be known for their integrity, with emphasis on their character and expertise rather than their age. They should have a strong reputation in the community for fairness, and trustworthiness.
2. Ability to Serve: Candidates must demonstrate that they have the intellectual capacity and physical energy to serve effectively in the role.
3. Proven Public Service: Candidates must have a demonstrated history of effective public service, with evidence of making positive contributions to their community.

 

These selection criteria do not diminish the participation of younger people, but rather recognizes people with a proven track record. Moreover, it requires candidates to be willing to sacrifice their future eligibility to hold other elected office. This level of sacrifice may be easier for people who are more interested in their legacies than in future career opportunities. However, it does not prevent anyone from serving their country.

 

Despite what the opposition might claim, the last few days could never have happened were it not for the energy of young people who have essentially had enough of the status quo.

 

To account for and channel that energy, the council's mandate would last for the remainder of the President's mandate (3 years). It (the mandate) would include the creation of a special court made up of Haitian judges supported by national and international experts to clean up the judicial system. With economic experts within Haiti and from the diaspora, the council would immediately task a group to develop a new socio-economic plan that respond to current needs but more importantly a longer-term social contract.

 

The council could focus on three main objectives as a unified strategy: convening a national conference to facilitate comprehensive dialogue across all sectors of society, undertaking a thorough revision of the constitution to address current gaps and future needs, and organizing new elections for both the presidency and parliament to re-establish legitimacy and trust in the governance system.

 

For Haiti's progress, we should consider a range of solutions, but our final choice must be grounded in several critical principles:

• Trustworthy Leadership: The focus should be on ensuring seamless transitions of presidential power, with an emphasis on integrity and accountability.
• Legitimate Opposition: The opposition needs to function as a robust oversight body for the current government, gaining authority through transparent and fair elections.
• Independent Governance: Our aim should be to establish a governance framework that strongly reduces the risk of future foreign intervention.

 

Above all, it's imperative that whatever path is chosen, it must genuinely reflect the desires and aspirations of the Haitian populace.

Johnny Celestin

 

Published in Nov. 2018 (republishing in 2021)