Interview with lawyer Ketlin Augustin, who is going to be asked questions about the 47th legislature. Augustin says the politicians often do not help to solve problems. “The question of the parliament should not be an essential problem,” he says.
He recalls the decision made by President Preval in 1999 when he observed that the parliament became null and void. He says that, under exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures are necessary. However, he points out, the rulers should not take measures that might endanger the current transition. He adds that the Haitian parliament has a constitutional nature and is recognized nationally and internationally, even though it was elected in irregular elections and was considered controversial.
He adds that the resignation and departure of President Aristide do not automatically nullify the parliament. He explains that this parliament participated in the nomination of the prime minister who has resigned. He adds that this parliament does not have the same situation has Aristide. He speaks of Senator Dany Toussaint’s decision formally to resign yesterday.
Augustin is asked about the new government, which took office without presenting a statement of general policy to parliament. Augustin advocates the inclusion of some parliamentarians in the Council of Wise Men, CS, in order to signal to the nation that it is truly a government of national unity. Augustin says that even though it is true that Aristide represented a danger to democracy and human rights in the country, one cannot eliminate the Lavalas Family.
The interviewer asks Augustin a question about the fact that Senate President Yvon Feuille often says things that clearly show that he supports only the Lavalas camp. Augustin confirms that Feuille often goes too far in his statements and repeats that he thinks the inclusion of a few Lavalas parliamentarians among the CS would be a good thing for the transition.
He adds that he is in favour of a vote on a new constitution. He explains that nothing was done properly in terms of the constitution. He makes a point of saying that we are not currently in a situation of constitutional legality. He mentions explicitly the fact that the prime minister was not nominated constitutionally. He thinks if the current government spends 18 months in power, there is enough time to amend the constitution.
He describes the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) as an obstacle to democracy in Haiti.