Haiti Leaders Halt Controversial 1987 Constitution Rewrite Effort

On October 9, 2025, Haiti’s transitional government officially halted its controversial efforts to revise the nation’s 1987 Constitution. This decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting at the National Palace, marking the first gathering at this location since January 2024.

Background of the Constitutional Rewrite

The transitional government, led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, faced significant pressure from armed gangs that previously forced its relocation from central Port-au-Prince. The decision to abandon the constitutional revision initiative follows public outcry and legal concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

Criticism of the Draft Constitution

• Bernard Gousse, a former justice minister, criticized the draft for being illegal and lacking public input.
• The proposal aimed to reduce parliamentary power and introduce controversial changes, such as a new vice presidency and regional governors with extensive authority.
• Haitians in the diaspora objected to their exclusion from the drafting process, fearing a potential constitutional crisis.

Concerns over the consultation process were highlighted by a report from a group led by former parliamentarian Jerry Tardieu. They faced significant challenges due to security issues, which hindered their ability to gather public input effectively.

Response from International and Local Leaders

Foreign diplomats and Haitian leaders have increasingly attributed Haiti’s ongoing crisis to its outdated 1987 Constitution. This document was established following the fall of the Duvalier regime but has struggled to address the complexities of the nation’s current circumstances.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster’s recent remarks underscored the urgent need for concrete plans regarding elections and governance. His statement, which did not mention the constitutional referendum, suggested a broader move to prioritize elections.

Implications for Future Governance

Important discussions about whether the Constitution must be amended before having legitimate elections remain unresolved. As it stands, Haiti has not conducted general elections since 2016, and it has lacked an elected president since July 2021, when former President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated.

With the current presidential council’s mandate set to expire on February 7, 2026, the imperative to establish a democratically elected government continues to grow.

The transitional government must navigate these complex issues while balancing its constitutional obligations and the urgent need for electoral legitimacy.