As Haiti moves towards a political transition after weeks of chaos, the office of the embattled Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry exclusively informed CNN about the constitutional procedures required to establish a transitional council. The Prime Minister’s special adviser, Jean Junior Joseph, asserted that only Henry and his cabinet can appoint the council and will not simply hand over power.

The Constitutional Rule and its Significance

In an interview with CNN, Jean Junior Joseph quoted Article 149 of Haiti’s constitution as the primary basis for their authority in forming a transitional council. According to this article, when the president is unavailable, the ministerial cabinet assumes the responsibility of decision-making on behalf of the government. This constitutional reference comes at a crucial time when Haiti’s political landscape has been marred by violence and disorder, and the people desperately seek stability.

A Step Towards Peaceful Resignation

Ariel Henry agreed to step down from his position once a transitional council had been set up, following a meeting with regional Caribbean leaders on Monday. He also expressed his intent to follow proper order during this process, indicating his commitment towards facilitating a peaceful political transition in Haiti. “Yes, the PM expresses his patriotic intentions to resign with his cabinet, but we have to do this in order,” said Joseph to CNN.

Henry’s Commitment to Strengthening Haiti’s Political Future

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is determined not to compromise on the constitutional guidelines in setting up the transitional council. With these regulations in place, Henry aims to ensure a smooth transition of power for Haiti without risking further commotion in the country. He believes that following the right order will fortify Haiti’s future political foundation and provide a solid pillar for the upcoming elections to depend upon.

United Nations’ Stance on Haiti’s Political Transition

When asked about whether the announcement weakens the political transition, a United Nations spokesperson responded by asserting their neutral position. “It’s not for the secretary-general or the UN to impose a solution on the people of Haiti,” said Stephane Dujarric, the principal spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Consequences of Unrest in the Caribbean Nation

A state of disorder has gripped the country for weeks, fueled by gang violence, mass protests, and kidnappings. The perilous situation worsened when gangs laid siege to Haiti’s main airport, further jeopardizing Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s safe return to his nation. As chaos continued to spread across Haiti, neighboring Dominican Republic experienced increased deportation numbers despite strong opposition from the United Nations against forced mass deportations.

Establishing an Air Bridge Between Haiti and Dominican Republic

In response to the intensifying crises in both countries, the United Nations has set up an air bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to facilitate staff movement and provide essential humanitarian aid. This initiative aims to alleviate the stress on Haiti’s struggling economy and offer much-needed relief to those affected by the ongoing turmoil.

• Haiti’s constitution emphasizes that only the ministerial cabinet can appoint a transitional council when the president is unavailable.
• This constitutional basis is crucial for maintaining stability during the power transition phase in the conflict-ridden nation.
• Prime Minister Ariel Henry is committed to following proper order while exercising this authority to ensure a smooth shift towards future elections.
• The United Nations maintains a neutral stance on the matter, opting not to impose any solution on the Haitian people.
• An air bridge has been established between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to mitigate the impact of ongoing unrest in both countries.

As Haiti gears up for a new era in its political trajectory, Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his office are dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s democratic values and providing much-needed stability amidst this challenging time. Establishing the transitional council following all constitutional protocols will ensure a seamless shift of power that bolsters Haiti’s growth prospects and enables it to emerge stronger from the turmoil.