Actualités

Martelly’s address to the Nation: Democracy or Return of Dictatorship

Washington, DC --- After listening to President Martelly’s speech to the Nation this afternoon, many are questioning whether Haiti has effectively returned to dictatorship, after the president expressed his plan to amend the Constitution, without following the existing amendment procedures.

His plan is illegal, because only Parliament has the legal prerogative to make changes to the Constitution. His plan is also illogical and misconceived. Haiti faces a political tsunami without a functioning Parliament, a constitutional government, an electoral council, and a respected judiciary. Many people are on the streets protesting almost daily and demanding the resignation of the President.

Haiti does not need further division and political instability. But, unfortunately, any plan to change the Constitution at this time does exactly that: throwing more oil to the fire. This ill-conceived plan is neither legal, logical, nor appropriate at this time. We need unity, not division; stability, not chaos; respect for our institutions, not destroying them.

Certainly, the Constitution needs to be amended, but the amendment process must be respected and followed. Haiti cannot return to dictatorship, the darkest side of its history, which destroyed the very essence of its ideal of liberty, and where the rule of men prevailed over the rule of law. We must not forget the sad lessons of our history. We cannot go backward, but forward.

Jean-Michel Voltaire, Esq.
Washington, DC