The political situation in Haiti remains volatile, marked by enormous challenges in governance and stability. The Transitional Presidential Council, installed for several days, is making progress on the spot, weighed down by a crisis over the appointment of a president. Edgard Leblanc fils, proposed by a group of 4 members, was unable to start his mandate, following protests from the 3 other councilors. In this context, the institution of a rotating presidency emerged as a potential means of promoting cohesion and strengthening this entity, which was lacking legitimacy.
Current issues
The Transitional Presidential Council faces the difficult task of maintaining a semblance of stability while working to establish a credible and transparent electoral process.
The rotating presidency proposal
Unlike a traditional presidential system where a single individual exercises power, a rotating presidency involves a regular rotation of the presidential office among different members of the Council.
The potential benefits
Increased political stability: By allowing for equitable representation of various political factions within the Council, a rotating presidency could ease tensions and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Each member of the Council would have the opportunity to lead the country, which could help promote a sense of inclusion and legitimacy.
Strengthening institutions: A rotating presidency could help strengthen the Presidency by limiting the excessive power of a single individual and promoting more collegial governance. This approach could also encourage a culture of responsibility and accountability within this branch of the Executive.
Strengthening commitment : Members can be more invested and engaged in board activities if they have the opportunity to take turns leading. Rotating the presidency helps distribute the workload and responsibility fairly among board members.
Citizen engagement: By providing a more inclusive path for decision-making, a rotating presidency could encourage greater citizen participation in the political process. Citizens could see this presidential rotation as an opportunity to diversify perspectives and promote leadership more representative of the country’s diversity.
Challenges and considerations
The idea of a rotating presidency has potential benefits, but its implementation would not be without challenges.
Lack of continuity : A rotating presidency may result in some instability or lack of continuity in the leadership and direction of the board.
Possible tensions : Rotating chairs can sometimes lead to tension or conflict among board members, particularly if selection or rotation processes are not clear or fair.
Variable skills : Not all board members may have the skills or experience to effectively assume the role of chair, which could affect the overall performance of the board.
Instituting a rotating board presidency may be a good idea in some situations, but it largely depends on the specific context and needs of the board in question.
While not without its challenges, this approach offers the potential to strengthen political stability, promote more inclusive governance, and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
The pros and cons should be carefully considered, as well as the specific needs of the board and the expectations of members. Clear communication and fair selection processes can help mitigate some of the potential downsides and maximize the benefits of this rotating leadership model.
Furthermore, it would be essential to obtain a broad political and social consensus around this proposal in order to ensure its legitimacy and long-term viability.
Fredry Lasource
