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28438: Craig (news) Promising move in Haitian politics (fwd)
From: Dan Craig
Promising move in Haitian politics
Jun. 9, 2006. 01:00 AM
Haitian President René Préval's new cabinet is a heartening sign of a break
with the winner-take-all tradition of Haitian politics. In one of his first
significant moves, he has named members of five opposition parties to work with
him. That's a positive effort to unify a nation splintered by warring political
factions for far too long. The multi-party cabinet and Préval's 25-year
development plan provide a measure of hope for a nation that has been on the
brink of anarchy. But the true test will come as they set about the task of
governing.
That's particularly the case for five former ministers brought back into office
by Préval, including Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis, and opposition
cabinet members. Their job is to look out for the greater good, not just for a
political party or other narrow interests. Now is their chance to show that
Haiti can be set on the road to an independent, prosperous, well-functioning
and inclusive democracy.
The new government needs to focus on improving Haiti's security, economy and
governance. Those are tough challenges best conquered with co-operation among
all players in Haitian society. Such inclusive government has been virtually
absent in Haiti's history. The rule of dictatorships gave way to democratically
elected governments in 1990. Yet even then, political payback and violence led
to increasing misery.
Préval's government would be wise to try to heal social rifts created by
decades of class warfare. Upper- and middle-class people who may not have voted
for Préval still have a stake in improving Haiti's future. The government
should engage the business community and groups representing the poor in the
hard work of rebuilding.
One way to signal a fresh start is for the Préval government to address the
issue of thousands of prisoners who have not been convicted of crimes. Among
them is former prime minister Yvon Neptune, widely considered a political
prisoner because of his ties to former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Panels
of Haitian and international jurists could be convened to review each case.
In this way, Préval can demonstrate the importance of judicial fairness and an
impartial rule of law — regardless of the politics involved in any given case.
It will also be an antidote to corrupt judicial practices.
Préval has the opportunity to set the tone for a new Haitian way, one of
inclusiveness, political debate and compromise and respect for divergent views.
Not only would such an approach encourage international support and foreign
investment, but it would also lay a foundation for a stable democracy.
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/This is an edited version of an editorial in yesterday's /Miami Herald/.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1149803409885&call_pageid=968256290204
/