Most of the lower house lawmakers weren't happy about the Haiti prime minister's plan after he was chosen as the second top official in the country. On Sunday, the lawmakers expressed their rejection of economist Fritz Jean's plans, making a great threat in the unstable Haiti's provisional government.
The interim government is only supposed to be running only for 120 days. As reported by Reuters, the lower chamber of parliament denounced PM's Jean's program that only added more obstacle in the transformation of the government from interim to an elected one. Due to the rejection of the lawmakers, the newly appointed Haiti PM won't be able to form his cabinet members and plan ahead for the incoming election.
"We rejected the program of Fritz Jean because his nomination by President Privert did not meet the consensus requirements which should characterize the prime minister," Deputy Gary Bodeau, told Reuters after the vote.
According to the report of Haiti Libre, the general policy statement of the Haiti PM got 38 votes in favor and 36 against the policy. One lawmaker abstained from the voting process of the policy. The body is made up of 119 deputies and the PM needs at least 60 votes for the acceptance of the policy.
"Mr. Prime Minister 38 deputies voted in favor to your general policy statement, as the majority required in terms of section 158 of the 1987 amended Constitution is at least 60 votes, which constitutes the absolute majority required, your general policy statement is rejected."
Outgoing Prime Minister Evans Paul also condemned Jean's appointment and induction on Sunday, Washington Times reports. With the strong opposition of the parliament against Haiti PM, President Jocelerme Privert may be obliged to choose another option for the position of the prime minister. However, the process is not easy as the new nominee must be approved by both the houses of the parliament.
Former Haiti President Michel Martelly left his position in February. The election was postponed in December and in January. The opposition of a majority of the lawmakers on Sunday about Haiti PM's policy could mean that the interim government couldn't transfer power yet to an elected government. The presidential election is set on April 24.
