December 23, 2024
Six months after the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), Council President Leslie Voltaire presented an overview on Friday, October 25, outlining the accomplishments and challenges of this period. However, his official address at the Villa d’Accueil mainly underscored a limited record, with few concrete announcements that could address the public’s urgent needs.
In terms of governance, Voltaire acknowledged the substantial work still required to restore public trust. “We must act well and act quickly,” he stated, while admitting that the State’s financial resources remain constrained. Despite efforts to streamline the use of resources through two budgets adopted during the transition, the impact of these measures remains difficult to assess. Tangible results are scarce, and relief for the population’s pressing needs appears far from realized.
On the security front, Voltaire commended law enforcement’s efforts and the arrests of criminals. Nevertheless, his recent request to the UN to transform the Security Mission in Haiti (MMAS) into a peacekeeping operation underscores the magnitude of national security challenges. Despite the courage of law enforcement agents, security improvements remain limited, and Voltaire presented no sustainable national solutions.
Regarding justice, Voltaire emphasized the independence of the judiciary, assuring that no pressure had been placed on judges. The TPC confirmed the appointment of 84 magistrates; however, beyond this measure, Voltaire did not mention additional reforms to meet public demand for justice, casting doubts on the actual effectiveness of this initiative.
Elections, central to democratic aspirations, saw no concrete progress. Voltaire simply reiterated the need to complete the Provisional Electoral Council (PEC) without providing a timeline or measures to ensure the much-anticipated elections would be held. This inaction is leading to growing mistrust in the TPC’s ability to carry out this essential task.
On the diplomatic front, Voltaire’s address highlighted the need to modernize Haiti’s international representation. Yet, no reforms have been implemented, and Voltaire warned that this modernization plan cannot be achieved hastily, signaling potential delays in meeting this goal.
Ultimately, Voltaire stressed the importance of collective commitment for a successful transition, though his record offers few concrete signs of progress. At this stage, the TPC’s six months in office present a mixed picture, characterized more by statements of intent than by visible results, leaving the Haitian people still waiting for real change.