Haiti’s fragmented Parliament failed again Wednesday to decide what to do about the caretaker president whose term has expired but remains in office in the absence of a vote resolving the latest leadership disorder. A joint National Assembly session adjourned after grandstanding speeches, arguments over agenda items and breaks for closed-door negotiations went on for hours. No vote was taken. For two weeks, Haiti’s bickering senators and deputies have avoided a vote on whether to extend the mandate of acting President Jocelerme Privert or pave the way for another provisional leader. Privert’s 120-day mandate expired two weeks ago under the terms of a February accord that helped bring him to power.
Already dismal public perceptions of many Haitian politicians appear to be sinking lower amid the latest paralysis, especially as a slew of economic, health and other challenges worsen in the struggling country.
“I just wish these people could find a way to compromise and move on. It seems like there is no end to it,” said Beatrice Pantal, a hair stylist in the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Full Article: Haiti’s bickering lawmakers avoid vote on interim leader.
