Haiti Democracy Project

www.haitipolicy.org

Center for Free Enterprise and Democracy

Statement in Support of the Civil Society Initiative

Press Release

The Center for Free Enterprise and Democracy (CLED) is part of a group of Haitian civil society organizations known as Civil Society Initiative (ISC). CLED has contributed to the creation of this initiative, within which it collaborates on a daily basis in a transparent, open and frank manner. This Civil Society Initiative has mediated and continues to mediate between the various political parties playing the primary role in the crisis which has been troubling our country for all too long. The role of mediator requires that one be neutral and non-partisan, a position to which the Initiative has aspired from the time of its inception.

This does not, however, imply that the members of this Initiative have no views on the issues at hand, and CLED deems that the time has come for it to assert its own position:

1. Given the real threats of political isolation, economic asphyxiation and social eruption that may result from the exacerbation of stances taken by the conflicting parties in the political crisis, it is vital for our country and for our very existence that the political actors involved resume as soon as possible serious and sincere negotiations in order to reach an agreement leading to progressive easement of the situation and guaranteeing the political stability required for social normalization and economic recovery.

2. This agreement can only be political , that is, one which reflects a compromise taking into account the deepest aspirations and higher interests of the Haitian nation. Should it be impossible to scrupulously and legitimately follow the letter of the Constitution, this endeavor should remain as faithful as possible to the spirit of the law.

3. The solution to the crisis must be sought and found among Haitians. The negotiations leading to this agreement may be led directly between the two parties or through mediation by the Civil Society Initiative (ISC), a mediation accompanied by representatives from the International Community (OAS, CARICOM, UN, Friends of Haiti), limiting themselves to the role of observers, in both cases. Nevertheless, we believe that, as a guarantee that it be respected and followed through, the agreement must be endorsed by the International Community, as has previously been done in Guatemala and El Salvador.

4. Mr. Jean Bertrand Aristide has begun his constitutional five-year term as president on February 7, 2001. President Aristide has stated in his inaugural speech that he is the president of all Haitians, a statement that we have duly noted! In addition, Mr. Aristide has himself made certain commitments towards two American administrations in documents including eight measures intended to correct the irregularities observed during the May 21, 2000 elections. However, application of these eight points will not suffice in repairing the damage done to the electoral process of 2000 and to the democratic process in Haiti. We therefore, believe that an administration which does not result from negotiations with the opposition may only be provisional. It behooves President Aristide to take the initiative in these negotiations towards an agreement leading to the creation, in conjunction with the opposition, of a new government. His primary mission would thus be to organize free, honest and democratic elections within the next twelve months; this would help institute a parliament the legitimacy of which would be free of the slightest doubt.

5. Like December 16, 1990, May 21, 2000 provided one of the clearest signs of the Haitian people's democratic aspirations. However, manipulation of election results by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) which organized the 2000 vote, and the forced exile of Mr. Léon Manus, president of that CEP, have caused serious uneasiness among citizens who, through their massive support of the Constitution of 1987, have made this electoral organization the only means available through which they choose their leaders. To revive the confidence of the Haitian people in this system and to consolidate the foundations of democracy in Haiti, it is essential that President Aristide proceed to the designation of a new CEP on the basis of a consensual agreement with the opposition political parties and with civil society organizations. It would be desirable for the members of this new CEP be chosen or delegated according to the spirit and the method of selection adopted in the creation of the 1987 CEP.

6. As numerous irregularities have flawed the electoral process since May 21, 2000, we believe that only general legislative elections are capable of endowing the parliament as a whole with irrefutable legitimacy. These elections should be organized within the next twelve months. We recommend that, during this period, the contested parliament abstain from:

a) making the least modification, however minor, to the Constitution of 1987;

b) voting on any bill which has not been introduced by a consensus government resulting from successful negotiations between President Aristide and the opposition political parties;

c) taking the initiative in drafting laws countering this spirit of consensus that must prevail during the transition period.

1. We suggest that members of the Territorial Collectivities elected on May 21, 2000 remain in their positions until the end of their term. However, they should refrain from designating those members who should take part in the Departmental Assemblies. Thus, there will be no permanent CEP before new elections are held to renew the Territorial Collectivities.

2. The International Community should play an active role in the process of organizing the next elections and in that of consolidating democracy in Haiti. In regards to the organization process for the next elections (in the next few months), this role would be grounded on five areas:

a) financial assistance provided directly to the new CEP in order to render it autonomous from the Executive;

b) technical support to the CEP to help this institution organize honest and credible elections in the next twelve (12) months;

c) technical support to domestic electoral observation networks on electoral observation and on rapid counting. In addition, participation by international observers alongside the domestic electoral observers would contribute yet more credibility to the next elections;

d) support to all incumbent and all opposition political through financial assistance helping them both organize valid campaigns, and structure themselves in the mid-term, thus reinforcing the democratic process and improving "political supply";

e) security throughout the electoral process in order to help create a safe environment for both campaigning candidates and for citizens wishing to participate in the elections and to observe the process.

During negotiations undertaken first under the auspices of the OAS, with Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, then through mediation by the Civil Society Initiative, clear progress was made. These encouraging developments lead us to believe that an agreement is still possible if only the protagonists in the crisis renew the dialogue and resume negotiations. On the basis of this fact, CLED is once again making a patriotic appeal to the political actors and calling for concord and national reconciliation. Urgent and responsible intervention is already needed to resolve a number of serious situations, while still greater challenges await us over the next few years. Our only hope in successfully facing these challenges is unity.

Port-au-Prince, March 7, 2001.

Unofficial translation