Port-au-Prince.– Last month, president Rene Preval officially announced the holding of
general elections for Sunday, November 28, 2010. The current Provisional
Electoral Council, better known in the country by its French acronym
CEP, has been authorized to organize the electoral competitions. This
decision has caused discontent and anger of many professional and social
organizations.
Everywhere across the country, anti-government protesters are demanding
to restart the process to "zero option", which means the resignation of
the president and the formation of a new CEP. The opposition is
denouncing the electoral institution headed by Gaillot Dorsainvil as
being an instrument in the hands of the executive. The protesters, in
each occasion, have erected barricades of burning tires through some
arteries and throwing stones to destroy cars windshields.
While many important sectors are protesting against the elections'
organization, the CEP published its electoral timetable. The list of
approved candidates, by the electoral institution, has to be known by
August 17, 2010. In my opinion, the international community should not
allow Preval to control the elections. If they are organized without the
participation of the major political parties, the crisis gripping the
country will continue. I have no doubt about it.
Thus, the opposition senators recently sent a letter to the American
congress, the Canadian parliament, the National Assembly of France and
the French-speaking parliaments to denounce Preval's refusal to engage
in dialogue with all political parties to reform the CEP that has been
accused of corruption and mismanagement. The senators have also said:
they are also against the financing of the elections by the
international community because they will inevitably be fraudulent.
Early in June, Senator Richard Lugar/ Republican of Indiana, an
influential member of the Committee on Senate Foreign Affairs, requested
the integration of members of the international community within the
CEP so that these elections can be transparent. This request of Senator
Lugar was inadmissible because it is contrary to Haitian law,
conclusively answered President Preval. During this press conference, he
had also said "only Haitian actors can be involved in the formation of
the CEP".
In truth, I am unable to understand what legislation the president wants
to make reference with. Last month, I have spoken of the obligation to
amend the 1987 constitution. I have demonstrated clearly that Haiti is
not governed under the rule of law. The country is in a vegetative
state. Mr. Preval has forgotten to tell this axiom to the nation. Haiti
cannot totally enjoy its sovereignty if it cannot feed, educate, provide
medical care, and decent housing to all its citizens.
In July, Senator Lugar in a 16-page report rightly criticized the
leadership of President Preval. Even in Haiti, Preval is known for his
inability, his management style, and his infantile and irresponsible
statements. In 2009, in the capital/ Port-au-Prince, took place a
demonstration against inflation. As answer to this legitimate protest,
Preval told demonstrators to prepare him a sign so that next time he
would also be involved.
If "basic reforms that should ensure the holding of transparent
elections and encouraging private investment" are not operating rapidly,
there is no doubt that the U.S. and the rest of the entire
international community are wasting their money and time there. As in
the past, this aid will go back to the donor countries to buy luxury
homes, cars or to swell banks accounts. After the devastating earthquake
of January 12, they are numerous promises to help rebuild the country.
But only countries like Norway and Brazil have materialize
From: Dominican Republic, Barbacoa Samana in the Hills
Keep Aristide Caged and far away .....anybody but Aristide even the Fugee
From: Dominican Republic, Boca de Chavon
I mentioned this problem some weeks ago ,,the elections are almost certainly being rigged by the small elite that controls the economy of Haiti according to the BBC ,Canadian and Haitian news outlets .The reason is that Preval has chosen his own electoral commission from his own supporters, including , it is alleged, his mistress . Serious opposition parties have been banned from participating .
I see the major problem as being that the very wealthy elite, which is less than 2 % of the population, are petrified of losing their stranglehold. But until the ownership of property can be more equitably held, there will be no future and constant conflict ..There are various ways to achieve this ..one is by force and the other is by taxes ..with death duties and transfer duties of about 90% , property taxes on land and buildings worth more than a certain amount taxed at an annual rate of say 25% unless they can seen to financially benefit the country,not just owners.
From: Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata
Preval was mayor of Port-au-Prince during the reign of Bebe Doc.
Don't expect anything legit from that fossil of dictarorship.
From: Singapore, Singafiao
Wyclef 2010!
Written by: juanb, 31 Jul 2010 2:45 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I have been a vociferous supporter of making Haiti self sufficient. If it is, the people will stay where they are. This can only be accomplished through a complete change in the government (much as we need here). The difference is that we are somewhat self sufficient while Haiti, right now, is 100% dependent on outside assistance. Without massive financial aid, Haiti will remain the sewer that it has always been. Now is the time for the people who control the aid$$$ to hold Preval and his cronies feet to the fire. NO REFORM, NO AID. Without outside assistance the entire system, as nonfunctional as it is, will implode. When Preval, and the other crooks in control have to start running for their lives, then and only then can financial aid be given and the rebuilding of Haiti begin.
Written by: juanb, 31 Jul 2010 2:53 PM
From: Dominican Republic
The bad news is that LF is in bed with Preval. He has a vested interest in seeing the corrupt gov't continue in Haiti. Along side of the Haitian gov't. our cesspool looks like Disneyland. The good news is that LF is just as dependent on outside assistance as is Haiti. We are not in as desperate a situation as our neighbor, but with help we go down the tubes as well. The countries lending the money to Haiti should not do so blindly.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. This is the time, this is the chance to make Haiti a decent place. This is the time for change. REAL CHANGE!!!
Written by: Pepe32, 31 Jul 2010 9:57 PM
From: Dominican Republic
"The bad news is that LF is in bed with Preval"
Leonel is in an orgy...he is in bed with Preval,Obama,Hugo,Fidel,and company execs from across the globe!
From: Dominican Republic, Barbacoa Samana in the Hills
Pepe are you that Naive .......please get real ..... at least LF speaks English ....that is what is important
From: Botswana, La reconnaissance est une lachete'
Blurt
Preval speaks English too he lives in the states for a while before returning to Haiti. To the fellow who stated Preval was the mayor of P-au-P under the Duvalier regime can you let us know where are you getting your facts from. As far as this article is concern yes opinions are like assholes everybody have one and the author is clearly stating his
Not reporting on facts. Are there issues that needs to be address in regards to the up coming election yes, is it dire no just political bickering as usual.
Sidenote- After his Previous term Mr Preval had no desire to return to politics he had retired comfortably in his hometown as an agronomist which his is profession. He was brought back into the process by the Americans when those they wanted to govern were clearly rejected by the mass in preliminary polls( Charles Henry Backer and co)
From: Botswana, La reconnaissance est une lachete'
Cont
The people voted for Preval under the assumption as Aristide previous PM and a key member of Lavalas as president Preval would have bring Aristide back from exile. What they did not know after an attempt on Prevail sisters life and the death of the legendary Haitian journalist Jean Dominique when he began to criticized the Aristide government during his morning editorials (a good friend of Preval) the relationship between Preval and Aristide became very cold.Unlike his predecessor he has the confidence of the Int'l community when 60% of Haiti annual budget depand on Intl aid ( twice of DR dependency) that is very important.
From: Dominican Republic, Barbacoa Samana in the Hills
Pat i was referring to the moron Hippo not Preval
From: Dominican Republic, Boca de Chavon
Nothing written so far can disprove the reports that the CEP , the electoral commission . is nothing but a tool for the established elite and also that some popular parties have been prevented from having candidates in the election .The international community will work with a properly elected government ,Preval or not .
Written by: juanb, 1 Aug 2010 1:38 PM
From: Dominican Republic
You are almost correct, Martha.
When the "fix" is in, no matter how the election is run it is still corrupt and "fixed". The international community knows when an election is fair and honest election and when it is not. An election controled by the CEP, as it is now constituted would be a farce. As I said previously, since the international community controls the purse strings, they should make sure that the next Haitian election is fair and honest. They can if they want to. But as I always say in complaining about the government here, if the will doesn't exist nothing will change. The question is: Is the international community prepared to have Haiti exist for the next 200 years as it has for the past 200? Or are they willing to do the hard work necessary to bring it out of the past and into the present? Time will tell.
From: Botswana, La reconnaissance est une lachete'
From: Dominican Republic, Boca de Chavon
Thanks but I have little faith in the accuracy of this Haitian journalist now based in Miami writing for a right wing paper ,,, you should read her other articles to see the trend . The images coming out of Haiti and the reports from others with differ from the rather wishy washy story she has written ..which is really just what Preval has fed her ..rather than independent research
Written by: juanb, 1 Aug 2010 6:24 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Preval must go.
From: Botswana, La reconnaissance est une lachete'
juanb
Under the Haitian constitution Preval cannot run for another term. This is officially his third term in Office. First under Aristide as a PM, second as President under the Lavalas Banner and now under Lespoir his party.
Sidenote-As incompetent he may seem he is our LF the better of the litter. He is the only Haitian head of state that did not get chased out of Haiti or simply high tail out of the country with it's coffer when his terms were up. He simply retired to the country side. Yes he has a tendency to tell the Presidential motorcade to pull over for he has to take a piss and occasionally given an interview while sipping on a cold presidente unlike his predecessors no one can say he is a kleptocrat which is why he enjoy the support of the international community.
Written by: Atabey, 1 Aug 2010 10:15 PM
From: United States
Pat,
On Preval I have to agree with you; he's got the backing of the international community and for Haiti's sake that's what counts. I just hope that he and LF can get this Haiti Enterprise on track because each week that passes is another week the hole from which Haiti has to craw out of deeper. They don't call the shots because they don't have the cash or credit to make it happen, only the foreign Big players hold the keys. yet, if these two leaders can at least get their acts together, forge elite consensus and hold the different domestic players to their promises, perhaps there is a gleamer of hope. Hopefully, this weekend's meeting and what's going on behind closed doors in Washington and European capitals will have a significant impact in revitalizing this process that's taken too long to get going in Haiti. Only a sustained economic revitalization of Haiti will dent the migratory pressures on the DR. France and the US need to get active in giving Haitians Visas.
Written by: Atabey, 1 Aug 2010 10:23 PM
From: United States
France should organize Visas within the Francophone Community, and the US and other nations should do likewise. Haiti is severely overpopulated, and everyone who's looked at the data can clearly see that. In addition, economist will defend the practice of Visas for Haiti based on the enormous uplift this movement provides for immigrants and their families. In short, there are few avenues more beneficial to the overall health and future prosperity of a person or group than moving them from low opportunity environments to richer opportunity environments. In the long run, making visas available to Haitians will have a greater positive impact on the future prosperity of the Haitian Nation and State than any other variable. Just do it!
Written by: juanb, 2 Aug 2010 7:42 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Thanks for enlightening me with regards to Preval.
My problem with him is his willingness to keep the status quo.
From: China
only the foreign Big players hold the keys. yet, if these two leaders can at least get their acts together, forge elite consensus and hold the different domestic players to their promises, perhaps there is a gleamer of hope. Hopefully, this weekend's meeting and what's going on behind closed doors in Washington and European capitals will have a significant impact in revitalizing this process that's taken too long to get going in Haiti. Only a sustained economic revitalization of Haiti will dent the migratory pressures on the DR. France and the US need to get active in giving Haitians Visas.
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I see the major problem as being that the very wealthy elite, which is less than 2 % of the population, are petrified of losing their stranglehold. But until the ownership of property can be more equitably held, there will be no future and constant conflict ..There are various ways to achieve this ..one is by force and the other is by taxes ..with death duties and transfer duties of about 90% , property taxes on land and buildings worth more than a certain amount taxed at an annual rate of say 25% unless they can seen to financially benefit the country,not just owners.
Don't expect anything legit from that fossil of dictarorship.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. This is the time, this is the chance to make Haiti a decent place. This is the time for change. REAL CHANGE!!!
Leonel is in an orgy...he is in bed with Preval,Obama,Hugo,Fidel,and company execs from across the globe!
Preval speaks English too he lives in the states for a while before returning to Haiti. To the fellow who stated Preval was the mayor of P-au-P under the Duvalier regime can you let us know where are you getting your facts from. As far as this article is concern yes opinions are like assholes everybody have one and the author is clearly stating his
Not reporting on facts. Are there issues that needs to be address in regards to the up coming election yes, is it dire no just political bickering as usual.
Sidenote- After his Previous term Mr Preval had no desire to return to politics he had retired comfortably in his hometown as an agronomist which his is profession. He was brought back into the process by the Americans when those they wanted to govern were clearly rejected by the mass in preliminary polls( Charles Henry Backer and co)
The people voted for Preval under the assumption as Aristide previous PM and a key member of Lavalas as president Preval would have bring Aristide back from exile. What they did not know after an attempt on Prevail sisters life and the death of the legendary Haitian journalist Jean Dominique when he began to criticized the Aristide government during his morning editorials (a good friend of Preval) the relationship between Preval and Aristide became very cold.Unlike his predecessor he has the confidence of the Int'l community when 60% of Haiti annual budget depand on Intl aid ( twice of DR dependency) that is very important.
When the "fix" is in, no matter how the election is run it is still corrupt and "fixed". The international community knows when an election is fair and honest election and when it is not. An election controled by the CEP, as it is now constituted would be a farce. As I said previously, since the international community controls the purse strings, they should make sure that the next Haitian election is fair and honest. They can if they want to. But as I always say in complaining about the government here, if the will doesn't exist nothing will change. The question is: Is the international community prepared to have Haiti exist for the next 200 years as it has for the past 200? Or are they willing to do the hard work necessary to bring it out of the past and into the present? Time will tell.
Perhaps this article will enlighten you a bit about the situation on the ground in Haiti amid the chaos .As per The Miami Herald.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/0....eval-leads-the-way-for-a-new.html
Under the Haitian constitution Preval cannot run for another term. This is officially his third term in Office. First under Aristide as a PM, second as President under the Lavalas Banner and now under Lespoir his party.
Sidenote-As incompetent he may seem he is our LF the better of the litter. He is the only Haitian head of state that did not get chased out of Haiti or simply high tail out of the country with it's coffer when his terms were up. He simply retired to the country side. Yes he has a tendency to tell the Presidential motorcade to pull over for he has to take a piss and occasionally given an interview while sipping on a cold presidente unlike his predecessors no one can say he is a kleptocrat which is why he enjoy the support of the international community.
On Preval I have to agree with you; he's got the backing of the international community and for Haiti's sake that's what counts. I just hope that he and LF can get this Haiti Enterprise on track because each week that passes is another week the hole from which Haiti has to craw out of deeper. They don't call the shots because they don't have the cash or credit to make it happen, only the foreign Big players hold the keys. yet, if these two leaders can at least get their acts together, forge elite consensus and hold the different domestic players to their promises, perhaps there is a gleamer of hope. Hopefully, this weekend's meeting and what's going on behind closed doors in Washington and European capitals will have a significant impact in revitalizing this process that's taken too long to get going in Haiti. Only a sustained economic revitalization of Haiti will dent the migratory pressures on the DR. France and the US need to get active in giving Haitians Visas.
My problem with him is his willingness to keep the status quo.
<strong><a href="htt