Haiti Underscores Commitment to Holding Inclusive Elections and Finalizing New Constitution

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Haiti's Progress and Challenges
• Electoral Developments and Security Concerns
• Steps Toward a New Constitution
• Call for Inclusive Dialogue and Democratic Transition
• Conclusion and Reaffirmation of Commitments

Introduction to Haiti's Political Situation and UN Security Council Briefing

The recent UN Security Council briefing on Haiti provided an update on several key issues related to Haiti's political situation and progress. This included discussions around human rights, good governance, anti-corruption efforts, preparations for upcoming elections, draft constitutional reforms, and the importance of inclusive dialogue for a democratic transition of power.

While Haiti has made meaningful advancements over the past few years, significant work remains across these areas. The briefing aimed to reaffirm the commitment of the Haitian government and international partners to continue supporting stability, democracy, and sustainable development in the country.

Background on Haiti's Complex Political Landscape

Haiti has faced profound political divisions and instability over the past several decades. Since the end of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, the country has had repeated cycles of interim or transitional governments. The current 1987 Constitution has structural weaknesses that contribute to imbalances of power between branches of government. This complex landscape has fueled recurrent socio-economic crises and stalled development. Resolving the root causes through institutional reforms and inclusive, compromise-based dialogue remains an urgent priority.

Briefing Objective to Update UN Security Council

The recent briefing aimed to provide the latest developments across the major issues impacting Haiti's political situation. This including highlighting areas of progress while also identifying remaining areas of concern needing more support. The briefing serves to continue fostering coordinated commitments between the Haitian government and international partners like the UN towards stability and sustainable growth.

Advancements and Gaps in Human Rights, Governance, Anti-Corruption

While the briefing noted meaningful progress in promoting human rights, improving governance, and combating corruption, these areas still face steep challenges.

Advancements over the past few years include strengthened rule of law, enhanced civil liberties protections, greater public sector transparency, and anti-corruption investigations into misuse of funds.

Tangible Improvements to Human Rights and Governance

The Haitian government highlighted actions taken to better adhere to international human rights laws. This includes reforms related to personal freedoms, due process, women's rights, and human trafficking. Additionally, public administration reforms have aimed at decentralizing decision-making for more inclusive governance. New anti-corruption entities were also created to strengthen oversight and accountability.

Sustaining Momentum Critical Despite Progress

However meaningful, these advancements remain tenuous without sustained commitment. Levels of perceived corruption are still high relative to regional peers. Gender-based violence continues with low conviction rates. Rule of law and governance mechanisms also need constant reinforcement and independence from political interference. Continued progress requires stable governmental institutions, inclusion of civil society, and accountable, transparent systems.

Preparations Underway for Elections Despite Security Concerns

Haiti aims to hold national elections across positions by the end of 2023 to ensure democratic renewal of political offices. Preparations are proceeding despite continued security risks posed by gang violence and kidnappings.

The international community has been called upon to provide more security assistance to enable an environment conducive to credible, widely participatory elections.

Government Committed to Advancing Democratic Elections

The current administration has made executing inclusive, transparent elections a top priority for 2023. The provisional electoral council has undertaken the planning, logistics, and budgeting required to make elections technically feasible. Additionally, the interim Prime Minister's appointment represents efforts to foster cross-party dialogue and potentially yield a unity government for the next elected administration.

Elections Contingent on Bolstering Security

While organizational preparations are advancing, elections remain threatened by high levels of gang activity and violence. These security dynamics risk severely limiting voter turnout and credibility of results. The Haitian National Police require expanded capabilities and resources to provide safety leading up to and during electoral events across the country. International security assistance is being requested to enable broader political participation.

Constitutional Reforms Through Referendum and Dialogue

A key priority of the current administration is replacing the 1987 Constitution given its destabilizing weaknesses. This reform process is progressing through public consultations and planned national referendum.

Ensuring the resulting Constitution earns broad-based legitimacy will require compromise and cooperation between rival political factions going forward.

Drafting New Constitution Through Inclusive Process

The multi-year consultative process has incorporated civil society feedback through hearings, surveys, and public comment periods. Two drafts have already integrated inputs from Haitian experts and international organizations. The next milestone is a national referendum for citizens to ratify the draft Constitution. Greater consensus is still needed given initial political divisions regarding the reform's legality.

Referendum Delay Requires Ongoing Dialogue

While strong interest exists in the Constitutional reform, the referendum vote has been postponed due to recent public health risks. This delay underscores the importance of continuing cross-partisan dialogue. Achieving compromise solutions and avoiding further political escalations remains necessary for ultimately ratifying and implementing a new governing framework.

Avoiding Transition Governments Critical for Stability

Given Haiti's extensive history of interim regimes without electoral mandates, the current administration strongly asserted the need for inclusive elections in early 2024.

Ensuring the next President assumes office on February 7th as scheduled is viewed as vital for stability and democracy in Haiti going forward.

Transitional Administrations Carry High Risks

Haiti's recurring transitions have caused institutional paralysis, weakened public trust, and worsened socioeconomic conditions. The benefits of reform efforts are also typically lost. As such, the Government argued further interim regimes would severely set back Haiti's development and must be avoided.

Credible 2023 Elections Only Path Forward

Given these concerns, Haiti maintains that regularly scheduled elections are the only viable way to produce an accepted governing authority. Conducting an inclusive vote by late 2023 remains essential for the sustainable functioning of Haiti's democracy.

Reaffirming Commitment to Electoral and Reform Goals

In closing the briefing to the UN Security Council, the Haitian representatives forcefully reaffirmed the central aim of enabling credible democratic elections in 2023.

They also highlighted the need for sustained international support across the interconnected economic, institutional, and security priorities outlined.

FAQ

Q: What is the current political situation in Haiti?
A: Haiti has faced recurring instability fueled by imbalances in its 1987 constitution. There have been disputes over holding new elections and finalizing a draft for a new constitution.

Q: What progress has Haiti made recently?
A: The Haitian government has made advances in human rights protections, good governance, anti-corruption efforts, and rule of law - though issues remain.

Q: What are the plans for upcoming elections?
A: The government aims to hold inclusive elections by end of 2022 to renew democratic institutions and ensure a transition of power in Feb 2023.

Q: What steps have been taken to draft a new constitution?
A: An independent committee held broad consultations and developed drafts based on public feedback. A referendum was postponed but will be rescheduled.

Q: How can stability and democracy be promoted?
A: Haiti seeks to avoid provisional transition governments and instead use credible elections to enable a peaceful democratic transition.

Q: What support does Haiti need from the international community?
A: Haiti needs funding and technical assistance to bolster election preparations and national police capabilities to ensure security.

Q: What commitments has the Haitian government reaffirmed?
A: The government has reaffirmed its determination to hold inclusive elections, finalize a new constitution, and undertake an orderly democratic transition of power.

Q: How can the political opposition engage constructively?
A: The government has invited all opposition groups to participate in dialogue and potentially join an inclusive unity government.

Q: What are the risks if Haiti does not stabilize?
A: Further instability could worsen poverty, inequality, insecurity, and institutional weaknesses in the country.

Q: What tone was set at the UN Security Council briefing?
A: The Haitian representative conveyed commitment to democratic processes and called for solidarity and support from the international community.