The Steering Committee of the National Dialogue Presents the Main Outlines of the Draft Constitution
By Gedeon Delva · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
Since its publication, the draft constitution has sparked numerous reactions among Haitian intellectuals. While for some it is a necessity and adapted to the Haitian reality, for others it is inopportune. To clarify the situation, Me Frantz Lauture, a member of the steering committee, presented the main outlines of this document during the 12th edition of Mardis de la Nation, held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Primature.
In his address, Frantz Lauture highlighted that many changes and advancements have been made in the new draft constitution.
Among the major advancements in the draft Constitution, Me Lauture noted:
• Reduction of the state apparatus's budgetary burden by decreasing the number of elected officials at local and central levels;
• Mandatory allocation of 4% of GDP to education (Article 35.1), affirming the national priority given to public instruction;
• Promotion of youth and women's participation in the management of public affairs;
• Transformation of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) into an independent institution (Article 176), thereby strengthening transparency mechanisms;
• Strengthening proximity between citizens and public services at the level of territorial communities;
• Merger of the functions of Head of State and Head of Government, with the President also becoming accountable for public funds;
• Reduction of the number of ministries to fifteen, for more efficient governance;
• Budgetary decentralization, particularly through the provisions of Article 196-2. The former parliamentarian specified that the committee drafted the document following numerous consultations. "This major reform, currently under discussion in universities, within political parties, civil society, and the Haitian diaspora, results from a long process of popular consultation. From the creation of the Steering Committee by the decree of July 17, 2024, to the submission of the draft, numerous public forums were organized across the country, actively mobilizing representatives from all backgrounds—youth, women, political and civil actors—around the theme: "One People, One Constitution, One Society, and Constitutional Reforms." The concerns, proposals, and aspirations of the population were extensively gathered to inform the drafting of the text," declared Me Lauture. Finally, Me Lauture commended the constant commitment of the national and international press for its contribution to promoting a culture of peace and its adherence to the ethical and professional principles of the profession. He also emphasized the important role of the media in disseminating information related to the constitutional reform process.
• Reduction of the state apparatus's budgetary burden by decreasing the number of elected officials at local and central levels;
• Mandatory allocation of 4% of GDP to education (Article 35.1), affirming the national priority given to public instruction;
• Promotion of youth and women's participation in the management of public affairs;
• Transformation of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) into an independent institution (Article 176), thereby strengthening transparency mechanisms;
• Strengthening proximity between citizens and public services at the level of territorial communities;
• Merger of the functions of Head of State and Head of Government, with the President also becoming accountable for public funds;
• Reduction of the number of ministries to fifteen, for more efficient governance;
• Budgetary decentralization, particularly through the provisions of Article 196-2. The former parliamentarian specified that the committee drafted the document following numerous consultations. "This major reform, currently under discussion in universities, within political parties, civil society, and the Haitian diaspora, results from a long process of popular consultation. From the creation of the Steering Committee by the decree of July 17, 2024, to the submission of the draft, numerous public forums were organized across the country, actively mobilizing representatives from all backgrounds—youth, women, political and civil actors—around the theme: "One People, One Constitution, One Society, and Constitutional Reforms." The concerns, proposals, and aspirations of the population were extensively gathered to inform the drafting of the text," declared Me Lauture. Finally, Me Lauture commended the constant commitment of the national and international press for its contribution to promoting a culture of peace and its adherence to the ethical and professional principles of the profession. He also emphasized the important role of the media in disseminating information related to the constitutional reform process.
