1. Haiti Government and Politics Scott LeBlanc

2. History of Government  A former French Colony, Haiti was to become the first independent black republic  Only nation ever to have been formed from a successful slave revolt.  Haiti became the second independent country in the Americas (after the United States) when it was declared its independence on January 1, 1804  Throughout the nineteenth century, Haiti’s Government changed hands 22 times.  US involvement in the 20th century helped to define and stabilize somewhat the infrastructure.

3. Executive Branch  Chief of State: President Rene Preval  Head of Government: Prime minister Jean-Max Bellerive  Cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president  Elections held every 5 years

4. Legislative Branch  Assemblee Nationale consists of the Senate 30 seats Members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms, one-third elected every two years  Camber of Deputies 99 seats Members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms

5. Judicial Branch  Supreme court or Court de Cassaition  The legal system is based on the Roman civil law system

6. Corruption in the Government  Many polling groups for government corruption puts Haiti as one of the most corrupt governments worldwide.  It could be seen when the earth quake hit and billions of dollars of relief aid came in and was not distributed to the people but went missing.  There are persistent allegations that some Haitian officials use their public office position to influence commercial dispute outcomes for personal gain.  The bureaucracy and “red tape” in the Haitian legal system is often excessive.  There are many holes in the laws which can be abused.

7. Current 2011 Election  The current election has just taken place in Haiti with the preliminary results in with having Michel Martelly the winner in the presidential election.  Although the results have not been officially announced due to candidates contesting results in the Senate and Deputes race, Mirlande Manigat (presidential runner) conceded.  Official results for all 2011 are tentively scheduled to be released Wednesday April 20, 2011.

8. Agenda’s and Reform the Elected Need to Address  Although elected to office Michel Martelly tries to establish credibility as since his political rise was very quick and obscure.  Parliament is dominated by the party of the previous president René Préval which potentially can block any forthcoming legislation and hold the decision of the position of Prime Minister.  Working on reforming agriculture, streamlining the delivery of humanitarian aid and restoring law and order by bringing back the military

9. Sources https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/geos/ha.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/geos/ha.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Haiti http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/world/americas/ 06haiti.html?_r=2 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/world/americas/ 06haiti.html?_r=2 http://www.belpolitik.com/blog.php/352 http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/haiti/haiti_brief.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8502616.stm http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/p eople/m/michel_martelly/index.html?inline=nyt-per http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/p eople/m/michel_martelly/index.html?inline=nyt-per