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Haiti: Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe resigns amid protests
Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe announced early Sunday that he was resigning along with several ministers in the wake of anti-government protests and a commission’s call for him to step down.
In a speech that was delayed past midnight, Lamothe said he was leaving “with a sense of accomplishment,” adding: “This country has undergone a deep and dynamic transformation and a real change in benefit of its people.”
President Michel Martelly said earlier he accepted the findings of the commission that had recommended Lamothe’s replacement.
Martelly appointed Lamothe as prime minister in 2012, and some political analysts believe Lamothe might seek the presidency in upcoming elections.
Lamothe’s resignation complicates the current political situation because nominations for a new prime minister require approval from parliament and it is unclear whether someone would be nominated before the legislature is dissolved in January.
Lamothe was Martelly’s third nomination for prime minister during a drawn-out selection process.
Political instability would undermine confidence in the government and the confidence that the international community has in Haiti in terms of investment.
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Price has endured a growing number of demonstrations in recent weeks during which protesters have demanded the holding of elections that were expected in 2011 and the resignations of Lamothe as well as Martelly.
The Martelly administration blamed the delay in holding elections on 6 opposition senators who contend legislation that would authorize the vote unfairly favors the government.
A commission set up to break the impasse recommended that Lamothe resign, along with the head of the Supreme Court and current members of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council. It also called for the release of several “political prisoners.”
Martelly said he would meet Monday with government officials to discuss the commission’s report.
Administration officials have insisted the government wants to hold the elections. The terms of 10 senators expire in mid-January and Parliament will be dissolved, meaning Martelly would rule by decree.
Source: Associated Press