A transitional council has been installed in Haiti with the aim of bringing political stability to the country, which is currently facing challenges such as gang violence, hunger, and poverty. The council will appoint a new prime minister and Cabinet, and create a road map for holding general elections in the future. Comprised of eight men and one woman, seven members have voting powers. The council’s mandate is set to expire on Feb. 7, 2026, with a new president expected to be sworn in at that time.
Among the members of the transitional council are notable figures such as Smith Agustin, a former ambassador to the Dominican Republic and legal expert associated with the EDE/RED political party. Dr. Louis Gérald Gilles, a former senator, will represent the signatories of the Dec. 21 agreement within the council and is linked to the New Orientation United to Free Haiti party. Fritz Alphonse Jean, an economist and president of the Haitian Institute of Public Policies, has been actively seeking support from Haitian communities abroad and is affiliated with the Montana Accord civil-society group.
Other members include Edgard Leblanc Fils, a former president of Haiti’s Senate and general coordinator of the Organization of the Struggling People, representing the January 30 political group. Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti, and Emmanuel Vertilaire, a judge specializing in criminology and anti-corruption efforts, are also part of the council. Leslie Voltaire, a veteran politician who has held various government positions, is linked to the Fanmi Lavalas party.
Two observers, Régine Abraham and Frinel Joseph, are also part of the council. Abraham, an agronomist and Cabinet director at the Ministry of the Environment, replaced René Jean-Jumeau following his alleged involvement in the squandering of PetroCaribe funds. Frinel Joseph, an evangelical pastor and former treasurer of Haiti’s electoral council, resigned along with seven other members in 2020 due to local pressure. Joseph is known for his lectures on spirituality and was accused of focusing too much on personal political goals during his time on the council.
The installation of the transitional council comes at a critical time for Haiti, as the country grapples with issues such as gang violence, hunger, and poverty. The council’s mandate includes appointing a new prime minister and Cabinet as well as creating a plan for holding general elections in the future. The diverse composition of the council, with representatives from various sectors such as politics, economics, and civil society, reflects the importance of collaboration and consensus-building in addressing the challenges facing Haiti.
The members and observers of the council bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, with backgrounds in areas such as diplomacy, economics, law, and agriculture. Their diverse perspectives and affiliations, ranging from political parties to civil-society organizations, will be instrumental in shaping the council’s decisions and actions. As Haiti looks towards a more stable and prosperous future, the transitional council’s work will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with hopes for positive change and progress in the country.
Despite the challenges and complexities facing Haiti, the installation of the transitional council represents a step towards political stability and governance in the country. With a clear mandate and diverse membership, the council is poised to make meaningful contributions towards addressing the urgent issues plaguing Haiti, including violence, hunger, and poverty. As the council begins its work, all eyes will be on its members and observers as they navigate the path towards general elections and a brighter future for Haiti.
