As part of the 12th edition of "Tuesdays of the Nation" held at the Prime Minister's Office, Franck Lauture, a member of the National Conference Steering Committee, presented the main points of the preliminary draft Constitution.

In his speech, Lauture praised the ongoing commitment of the national and international press for their contribution to promoting a culture of peace and their commitment 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.

He recalled that this major reform, currently under discussion in universities, political parties, civil society, and the Haitian diaspora, is the result of a long process of public consultation. From the creation of the Steering Committee by the decree of July 17, 2024, to the submission of the preliminary draft, numerous public meetings were organized across the country, actively mobilizing representatives from all walks of life : 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 widely gathered to inform the development of the text.

Among the major advances of the preliminary draft Constitution, he cited :

• Reducing the budgetary burden of the state apparatus by reducing the number of elected officials at the local and central levels;

• The mandatory allocation of 4% of GDP to education (Article 35.1), affirming the national priority given to public education;

• Promoting the participation of young people and women in the management of public affairs;

• The transformation of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) into an independent institution (Article 176), thus strengthening transparency mechanisms;

• Strengthening the proximity between citizens and public services at the local government level;

• The merger of the functions of Head of State and Head of Government, with the President also becoming accountable for public funds;

• Reducing the number of ministries to 15, for more efficient governance;

• Budgetary decentralization, particularly through the provisions of Article 196-2.

Download the preliminary draft of the new Constitution (PDF in French, 61 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/865198904-Avant-projet-de-la-nouvelle-Constitution-d-Haiti.pdf

See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45103-icihaiti-cap-haitien-debate-on-the-preliminary-draft-constitution.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44973-haiti-diaspora-how-to-contribute-to-the-draft-constitution.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44957-haiti-flash-submission-to-the-government-of-the-preliminary-draft-of-the-new-constitution-of-haiti.html

IH/ iciHaiti