Decentralization in Haiti is a critical component of the country’s development, with many stakeholders emphasizing its importance for the country’s growth and participation. Relations between the central government and local authorities are often strained, with mayors and local officials expressing frustration with the central government’s lack of support and cooperation. A mayor of a secondary city noted that the central government is a “festering sore” for the mayor’s office, while a mayor of a rural commune described relations between the central government and communes as a “calamity.”
Governance in Haiti is also a major concern, with many stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the country’s institutions. Senator Wesner Emmanuel stated that “currently, no institution operates according to the constitution,” while Leslie Manigat, a former president of Haiti, noted that the country is living a “virtual democracy in a backward society.” A coordinator of a communal sectional council (CASEC) observed that Haiti has been in transition since 1804, implying a long-standing need for reform.
Political parties in Haiti also play a significant role in the country’s decentralization efforts. Many stakeholders expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability within the parties, with a CASEC coordinator noting that party leaders often make decisions without consulting with the people. A municipal delegate from Jacmel stated that the parties want to “decide in the name of the people rather than with the people.”
Despite these challenges, many stakeholders believe that decentralization is essential for Haiti’s development. A CASEC coordinator described decentralization as “the biggest thing that could happen in this country,” while Gérard Pierre-Charles, the general coordinator of the Organisation du Peuple en Lutte (OPL), noted that civil society is an “indispensable instrument of decentralization.” Yvon Neptune, the spokesperson for Fanmi Lavalas, emphasized the importance of decentralization for participation and development.
The legal framework for decentralization in Haiti is also a critical component of the country’s development. The team conducted an analysis of the formal and informal rules governing decentralization, including laws and regulations. The findings of this analysis are presented in the report, along with recommendations for reform.
The report also examines the role of parliament in Haiti’s decentralization efforts. The team analyzed the legislative framework for decentralization, including the laws and regulations governing the dispersal of power. The findings of this analysis are presented in the report, along with recommendations for reform.
The executive branch of government in Haiti also plays a significant role in the country’s decentralization efforts. The team analyzed the policy reforms and operations of the central government, including its impact on decentralization. The findings of this analysis are presented in the report, along with recommendations for reform.
Local government in Haiti is also a critical component of the country’s decentralization efforts. The team analyzed the finances and local politics of the country’s communes, including their impact on decentralization. The findings of this analysis are presented in the report, along with recommendations for reform.
Civil society in Haiti also plays a significant role in the country’s decentralization efforts. The team analyzed the current trends and challenges facing civil society, including its relationship with the private sector and government. The findings of this analysis are presented in the report, along with recommendations for reform.
The report concludes by highlighting the design opportunities for decentralization in Haiti. The team identified key points of entry for program design, including the elements of program design that are critical for success. The report also includes a list of stakeholders interviewed, as well as references and annexes with additional information on the legal framework for decentralization and proposed laws on decentralization.