Haiti Struggles to Resolve Political Crisis
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According to the Organization of American States (OAS), Haiti may not settle a runoff dispute before the incumbent president’s term ends this weekend, as the Associated Press stated. Haiti scheduled a second runoff election in late January, but had to postpone the process due to violent protests. Haiti’s economy remains in tatters and has worsened since a large earthquake struck the Caribbean nation in 2010, killing tens of thousands of people.
According to the Organization of American States (OAS), Haiti may not settle a runoff dispute before the incumbent president’s term ends this weekend, as the Associated Press stated. Haiti scheduled a second runoff election in late January, but had to postpone the process due to violent protests. Haiti’s economy remains in tatters and has worsened since a large earthquake struck the Caribbean nation in 2010, killing tens of thousands of people.
OAS chairman Ronald Sanders believes Haiti stands a solid chance of reaching an agreement by this weekend, but he remains cautiously optimistic. The OAS is an international coalition helmed by the United States and comprises 35 states throughout the Americas dedicated to regional stability. President Martelly is set to step down this Sunday, and the Senate proposed that the prime minster rule in his stead until the election of a new president.
Currently, 10 people are in the running for leader of the caretaker government, but officials have yet to reach a consensus. Opposition leader Samuel Madistin is against the presence of the OAS, and he does not want Martelly to be involved in the new government after his tenure ends this weekend. While authorities squabble over the election results, the country remains in dire poverty, and matters will grow worse without a cohesive government in place.
Economic Status
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, stemming in large part from restrictions on foreign investment and unstable governance. The French-speaking nation has always struggled economically, but the massive earthquake combined with questionable policies has forestalled growth, forcing the government to sustain itself through donor aid.
More than half of Haitians live in poverty, and a majority survives through the agricultural sector. Moreover, many consider the country’s workforce unreliable by investment standards, and the endless web of corruption and bureaucracy makes Haiti an unattractive destination to the business community, notes the New York Times. Haiti won independence from France in 1804, but has never truly prospered throughout the centuries due to trade restrictions and interference from Western powers.
Historical Mistrust
Because of this tumultuous past, Haitians have been historically suspicious of outside help, which partly explains why some opposition members do not welcome the OAS as a legitimate mediator. Furthermore, public distrust of the government is at an all-time high, reflected mainly in the country’s historically low voter turnout.
According to recent data, most Haitians said they would participate in elections if they believed the process would be transparent. To make progress, the government must clean house to get rid of corruption, introduce measures to ensure election fairness, and attract greater foreign investment. However, such reforms appear to be an afterthought as leaders are currently placing politics ahead of boosting living standards, and they have no viable policies thus far that would enhance the economy.
