Haiti – Political Transition: CARICOM Relaunches Discussions on the Future of the Presidential Council

Amidst a prolonged crisis and growing distrust of transitional authorities, CARICOM organized a meeting with Haitian stakeholders this Tuesday, July 1st. The objective: to relaunch dialogue on the future of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and find a consensual path towards a faltering political transition. A Reactivated Political Dialogue This meeting is part of CARICOM's mediation efforts, represented by its Eminent Persons Group (EPG), with Haitian actors from the main sectors of national life – at least the most important ones. This initiative comes just days before the CARICOM Heads of Government Summit, scheduled for July 6-8 in Jamaica, where a report on the Haitian discussions is to be presented. Key Decisions Four major decisions were made: Reform of the Transitional Presidential Council, the establishment of an expanded unity government, the implementation of an electoral calendar, and finally, strengthened regional and international support.

1. Reform of the Transitional Presidential Council
   Facing repeated criticism regarding the CPT's inefficiency and unpopularity, several speakers advocated for its reduction, or even its complete restructuring. Proposals aim to reduce the Council from nine to three members, or to renew its composition based on criteria of integrity, competence, and representativeness.

Other participants suggested rethinking the CPT's internal balance, ensuring an equitable distribution between political representatives, civil society actors, and figures from the judicial world.

2. Establishment of an Expanded Unity Government
   Beyond the CPT's reform, some voices proposed the establishment of a broad-consensus government, more inclusive, capable of restoring public trust. This formula would aim to integrate currently unrepresented actors, while excluding any alliance with armed groups or controversial figures.
3. Implementation of an Electoral Calendar
   The necessity of a clear and realistic electoral calendar was unanimously emphasized. Several participants called for the broad outlines of this calendar to be defined even before the CARICOM summit, to demonstrate a genuine willingness to lead the country towards elections within a reasonable timeframe.
4. Strengthened Regional and International Support
   Regarding security, discussions reaffirmed the need for international support, particularly through the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. Technical, logistical, and diplomatic assistance from regional partners is deemed essential to ensure a stable transition.

Decisive Short-Term Deadlines Several major deadlines mark the coming weeks and could be decisive for the continuation of the transition process. First, the CARICOM Heads of Government Summit, scheduled for July 6-8 in Jamaica, must allow for the official presentation of the conclusions of the meeting held in Port-au-Prince. On this occasion, CARICOM member states could adopt a common position on the future of the Presidential Council and on the broad outlines of the electoral process. Second, a new mission of the Eminent Persons Group is expected in mid-July to evaluate the concrete progress made based on the commitments undertaken. By then, Haitian actors are invited to submit a clear proposal for CPT reform, including a new composition and a provisional electoral calendar. The objective is for a structured political agreement to be implemented as early as August, with a view to laying the foundations for a gradual return to constitutional order. Towards a More Credible Transition? This meeting marks a renewed attempt to relaunch the Haitian political process, which is currently stalled. While the proposals on the table seem to address certain popular demands, their realization will depend on the genuine willingness of Haitian actors to break with logics of exclusion, distrust, and fragmentation. CARICOM's support, although crucial, will not be sufficient without a sincere and structured internal dynamic. Time is pressing, and the window of political opportunity could quickly close if clear and inclusive decisions are not made in the coming days. By Gesly Sinvilier