Dominican Republic and Haiti: Country Studies

Haiti: Government and Politics
sioned with their dysfunctional democracy," failed to respond
to the parliamentarians' call.
Unbalanced Power: January-December 1999
Following what Preval's critics labeled a "political coup
d'etat," Haiti entered into a period characterized by protracted,
tedious, and often byzantine political negotiations, and by
spasms of demonstrations and politically related unrest. The
next twelve months were also characterized by widespread
speculation of veiled political intrigue, particularly as it related
to the involvement of former President Aristide and his partisans,
and uncertain progress toward the resolution of the political
deadlock that had all but derailed the country's meandering
march toward democratic governance.
Shortly after the president's dismissal of parliament, six
political parties, including the OPL, formed the Coalition to
Defend Democracy (L'Espace de Concertation pour la Sauvegarde
de la Democratic) and opened negotiations with the executive
branch to resolve the crisis. In late February, the OPL
withdrew from the coalition, just prior to the murder of still-sitting
Senator Yvon Toussaint, a member of the party. On March
6, the remaining five members of the coalition signed an
accord with the executive to resolve the crisis. The agreement
mandated the quick creation of a CEP to begin organizing the
overdue municipal and parliamentary elections. On March 16,
Preval named by decree a nine-member CEP that included
three members chosen by the coalition. Reaction to Preval's
actions varied. The coalition members and the FL welcomed
the formation of the CEP. The OPL and several conservative
political organizations reacted coolly, noting that while the
members appointed to the body were individuals of integrity,
the body itself had not been formed in consultation with parliament,
as required by law. Next, on March 24 Preval named a
government. Led by Prime Minister Alexis, the cabinet of ministers,
sworn in on March 26, was viewed by the government's
critics as composed principally of supporters of President
Preval and former President Aristide.
Before the CEP could move toward elections, it was obligated
to resolve the still-festering controversy surrounding the
outcome of two Senate seats contested in April 1997 and
claimed by the FL. On June 11, the CEP effectively annulled
the results of those elections by announcing that the upcoming
Senate race would include the two contested seats. It then set
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