On February 19th, 2017, Radio Tele Ginen conducted an exclusive interview with Haitian President Jovenel Moise at the carnival celebration in Jacmel.
During the interview, President Jovenel Moise expressed his dream to have a new prime minister selected before this year’s national carnival celebration, scheduled for February 26th, 27th, and 28th in Les Cayes.
Here’s a brief timeline of events surrounding the prime minister’s nomination announcement:
- February 22nd – President Moïse announces on his official Twitter page that after multiple consultations with the leaders of both chambers of parliament, he has selected Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant to replace Enex Jean-Charles as the new prime minister. Dr. Lafontant is currently a Professor of Gastroenterology at the State University of Haiti.
- February 23rd – The nomination is published in Haiti’s official newspaper, Le Moniteur.
- February 24th – Dr. Lafontant attends a press conference at the national palace. There, President Moise formally introduced him as his nominee pick for prime minister.
Both President Moise and Dr. Lafontant gave brief remarks regarding the nomination.
The selection is fascinating because Dr. Lafontant is a relatively unknown figure in Haiti’s political circles.
Unsurprisingly, this week, his experience has been discussed across most major news programs in Haiti.
According to Haiti’s constitution, Dr. Lafontant must capture a majority vote of confidence from both chambers of parliament.
He will need the approval of at least 60 deputies and 16 senators to secure his nomination.
President Moise has expressed confidence that his pick for the top cabinet position will be successfully confirmed.
If approved, the two most powerful positions in Haiti’s government will be held by two relatively new non-career politicians.