Assassination of Haitian Prime Minister Jovenel Moïse
What happens when democracy falls in the hands of the citizens?
On Wednesday July 7th, the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated by a group of gunmen.
Moïse, a former business man, took office in 2017 after a contested election with an unfavorable turnout. As he grew richer during his presidency, he stripped many parties of their power, and slowly, the Haitian government was overtaken by corruption. According to the UN, Moïse proposed changes to the Haitian constitution that would ultimately allow him to run for two consecutive five-year terms without a pause, longer than his expected term. Along with this proposition, other changes would be made, such as abolishing the Haitian Senate and establishing a vice president to replace the prime minister. These changes drive the country's focus away from other serious issues that affect people everyday and are believed to create an imbalance in the government. But many Haitians were angered by his refusal to cede power, which led to violence, increased crime rates, and more division.
Furthermore, the assassination of President Moïse only exacerbate Haiti's sittting problems that have yet to be solved, including political instability, the lasting effects of a devastating earthquake in 2010, a cholera outbreak in 2016, foreign policy meddling, the COVID-19 crisis, famine, and gang/crime violence. This event has left Haitians stunned, confused, and without their leader, the citizens are vulnerable to total anarchy. This proves to be another instance where government officials' abuse of power have led to the downfall of democracy and an entire nation of people.
Sources:
https://time.com/6080297/haiti-assassination-how-the-world-should-help/
https://www.npr.org/2021/07/07/1013879000/even-before-jovenel-moises-assassination-haiti-was-in-crisis
Aleen, the Moise case is very interesting; in addition to much coming out since the assassination, he was delayed a year from taking office; his contention was that he has four years to serve and that term did not start until he was put into office (his first year was a battle ver the legitimacy of his election). Others accused Moise of abusing power. The Supreme Court chief justice passed away just weeks before Moise's assassination and I believe the Prime Minister had submitted his resignation just days before the assassination. You are correct that Haiti is very vulnerable (particularly in light of its many struggles over the recent years). In the midst of this constitutional quagmire (who has the legitimate right to rule), Haiti has called for international help (and many have criticized the role/intervention of foreign powers. Unfortunately real people, real citizens, with real needs are left struggling for life's basic necessities.
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