Politicians Consult Academics on Changes to be Made in the Constitution

Signatories of the "National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections" met on Wednesday, October 28, with representatives of the State University of Haiti regarding constitutional revisions. The meeting took place at the "Ritz" hotel. Discussions focused on the difficulties of applying certain provisions of the fundamental law, and the university's contribution to reflections on limited change proposals.<\/p>

Representatives from OPL, ASE, PHTK, among others, all signatories of the pact, participated in the exchanges. According to Rosny Cadet, representative of the ASE party, the input from the intellectual elite will be a good asset in seeking a thoughtful and sustainable solution to the constitutional issue. "The discussions were very constructive. We identified the points we believe need revision. We are awaiting their recommendations," said Mr. Cadet.<\/p>

During the discussions, the signatories of the pact mentioned areas they believe require revision. These areas include harmonizing mandates, the issue of discharge, balancing executive and legislative powers, intervals between two presidential mandates, and easing constitutional revision. These points are included in the work of the bicameral commission led by Jerry Tardieu (2018), the advisory committee of Jovenel Moïse (2021), and the steering committee of the CPT (2025).<\/p>

Prior to the meeting with UEH, Liné Balthazar indicated that these political parties had already met with representatives from private universities and the business class. "The idea is to consult a wide range of sectors to gather their opinions. We want to act urgently but especially act well. We want to reach a consensus on the changes to be made to improve the functioning of the state, reduce conflicts between the executive and the parliament, etc.," explained Liné Balthazar, who hopes for a second technical meeting with UEH after reviewing the proposed changes discussed on Wednesday, October 28.<\/p>

According to Mr. Balthazar, the consensus they seek as political actors would help determine what changes to make and how to proceed. "There will be no question of changing the constitution or drafting a new one. We will remain within the framework of the 1987 text, which provides for a bicameral executive and a parliament that must oversee government action," Balthazar stated.<\/p>

The rector of UEH, Professor Dieuseul Prédélus, indicated that his institution intends to contribute to the reflections. "We will work to submit a proposal from the State University of Haiti. We will ensure that all components of UEH, including students, professors, and leaders, participate in this process," promised the rector.<\/p><\/div>