Politics

Throughout the history of Haiti, only a few political parties have had a strong organizational structure. In the 1870s and the 1880s, the Liberal Party and the National Party were the two dominant political parties in Haiti reflecting the social and class division that exists in the country. On one side, you see the Liberals party composed mainly of the wealthier and better-educated mulatto minority in Haiti. On the other hand, the Nationalists Party, made mainly of the lower-and middle-class black majority.

Following the United States occupation (1915-34), the nationalist parties organized around the issue of resistance to foreign occupation. The political parties in Haiti started multiplying during the presidential campaign of 1946. Many candidates were participating, including: Parti Socialiste (PSP), Parti Democrate Unifi (PDU), Mouvement Ouvrier Paysan (MOP) and many more. During the Duvalier reign, most political leaders had been silenced.

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After being away from the limelight for so long and finally returning to Haiti from seven years of exile just last year, former president and Catholic priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide is faced with another big controversy. Only this time, it does not involve his rather unfavorable presidency in the past.

Former street children who were rescued by La Fanmi Se Lavi, a foundation established by Aristide when he was still a priest and before he was elected as the president of Haiti in 1990, recently filed a complaint against Aristide under the "Association of Victims of exploitation of the Fanmi Se Lavi". According to the association's president, Junior Restauno, the former Haitian priest and president used the foundation and the children for his personal gain. They have only received a few trips abroad while in the care of the foundation but have not yet been able to receive any other kind of needed assistance from the aid, especially in the financial aspect, Aristide acquired from the foundation's benefactors. Aside from this, the association's complaint also mentioned the former religious leader's physical violence and corruption.

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Evans Paul, leader of Konvasyon Inite Demokratik (KID), and member of the Alternative Platform, says that Laurent Lamothe, Prime Minister-designate, has refused to meet with the Alternative Platform as part of the ratification process to assume the office of Prime Minister. Instead, the Prime Minister-designate has chosen to meet only with members of parliament, trying to subvert the ratification process. Paul describes this move as "a bad practice." The Alternative Platform clearly sees that the Prime Minister-designate is not qualified to assume the responsibilities of office, and asks that Lamothe's deputy colleagues vote their conscience and " . . . assume their responsibilities, on voting day."

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Talks have been circulating that former two-time Haiti President Jean Bertand Aristide is planning to run for Senate. According to reports, he, who was ousted from the presidency twice, is aiming for the seat in the Ouest Department. If the reports turn out to be true, he may run against other notable nominees such as Haitian National Police Chief Mario Andresol and singer Jacques Sauveur.
The reports of his Senate plans did not sit well with critics. As a matter of fact, it is seen as Jean Bertrand Aristide's strategy to escape a possible prosecution of justice. In a commentary, Radio Metropole host Nancy Roc said that once elected, he will have parliamentary immunity, which can help him avoid prosecution. Roc also reminded listeners on the dispute between Aristide and current President Michel Martelly. Many people think that Martelly had a hand on both coups against the former president.
Since the beginning of time, no Haitian president has run for Senate after his term. Should Jean Bertrand Aristide push through with the candidacy and win, he would probably make history. Reports about his plans came out despite Aristide's previous comments that he does not have plans to enter politics again. Aristide has been out of the public eye since he returned to the country last year. Instead of involving himself in politics, he simply focused his time and energy on operating his schools and universities.
Jean Hector Anacasis is the incumbent senator of the Ouest Department. He is running once again, along with Marie Denise Claude, Claudy Gassant, and Jean Mary Claude Germain.

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In the Haitian politics Levaillant Louis Jeune started taking some crucial movements in the recent time. A lot has become a debate about the next Prime Minister of Haiti. The initial two weeks of May 2012, have been very decisive and also filled with lot of political controversies. The disputes for the selection of the new Prime Minister have been ratified. Laurent Lamothe is the new Prime Minister and Levaillant Louis Jeune, the president of the Lower House, presented a formal letter to announce his General Policy.

A lot of turbulence was seen in the house for the selection of the new Prime Minister of Haiti. The voting process was not simple and there was a lot of fuss and cry. Few Senators also walked down in protest and did not cast their votes. But, the majority of the house favored Laurent Lamothe and with 60 percent of votes in favor, he is chosen the next Prime Minister of Haiti.

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This is true, the name Tet kale now means the newest political party in Haiti. This is one more in a land where political parties have reached an epidemic proportion.

According to Justice Minister Jean Renel Sanon on Thursday, the new party called the Haitian Tet Kale Party was registered at the Ministry of Justice and is in fact operational

Mezanmi, nou nan politik tet kale

Are you ready for more Zin?

The principal author is not a member. Haiti president, Michel Martelly who has the nickname "Tet Kale" is still under the banner of 'Repons Peyizan'.

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Looking at President Michel Martelly distributing gifts to those who could not afford to is truly a good thing. The president has been able to make Christmas for many families a little brighter. Many received gifts such as toys for the children, envelops with cash, motorcycles and even brand new cars for a few who were the luckiest.

I know this is good and specially at the end of the year it is probably a good thing to do for the people who have been through so much. Too many people in Haiti had to deal with so many bad situation for at least the past two years; namely. the 2010 earthquake, Cholera, poverty, insecurity, health issues, and much more.

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The Haitian institutions are under assault. Senator Moise Jean Charles, in his presentation at the Haitian Senate stated that "President Michel Martelly is a Liar.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire"

Wow!

Senator Moise Jean Charles was referring to the result of the commission that was investigating the illegal arrest of Deputy Arnel Belizaire. According to Senator Jean Charles, based on the report President Michel Martelly is deeply involved in the issue. That President Michel Martelly who is his own President is a liar. The President said that he is not involved "Ni De Pres, Ni de Loin" in affair Belizaire.

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What an accusation. The President of the Lower House was unable to be more diplomatic after the arrest of Deputy Arnel Belizaire. Sorel Jacinthe put it straight and clear: ""We are in presence of a dictator", in referring to the government of Michel Martelly.

This is strong Statement here.

In speaking to the press, the President of the Lower House, Sorel Jacinthe stated that:"I will not speak with emotions" and continued to inform the press that the government respects no one, it does not respect the law. He does what he wants of the people. He is the supreme leader and has a record on each person so he can do what he wants. Deputy Sorel Jacinthe reminded the Haitian press how the President has treated them.

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In an attempt to clarify the incident where it was alleged that Michel Martelly got involved into a verbal altercation with one of the Haitian lawmakers, the president was not apologetic at all. On the contrary, Michel Martelly warned that we have not seen anything yet.

As the president stated:" Anytime someone comes to the National Palace and does not speak properly with the presidency, even if you have immunity, you might not be able to come out"

"Me Bwa"

What does that mean exactly? Shouldn't we ask the president for clarification on his statement?

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