Top Haitian leaders negotiated an agreement to install a short-term provisional government less than 24 hours before Haitian President Michel Martelly was scheduled to step down, an official with the Organization of American States (OAS) and local authorities announced on Saturday.
In an exclusive interview, special OAS mission leader Ronald Sanders said the interim president will be elected by parliament for a term of up to 120 days. He said Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul will remain in his position until lawmakers are able to confirm a prime minister by consensus in upcoming days.
The caretaker government will ensure a new Provisional Electoral Council is in place to conclude an election cycle that began last year. The plan calls for a presidential and legislative runoff to be held on April 24, with a newly elected president to be installed on May 14 for a five-year term.
“The country now has an opportunity for a fresh start,” Sanders said, adding that parliament would invite nominations for an interim president soon.
The deal, if it holds, will prevent an institutional vacuum after Martelly leaves office, which was scheduled to happen yesterday, and creates a roadmap for an elected leader to replace him in a few months.
However, there was no break in opposition protests in the crowded capital on Saturday and recent violence suggests discord is likely to continue.
“We have to stay vigilant because certain people disagree with this accord,” a somber-looking Martelly said in brief comments after an afternoon signing ceremony with legislative leaders at the National Palace.
Sanders said the deal was signed overnight following “very animated” and occasionally heated negotiations on Friday between Martelly, the two leaders of Haiti’s bicameral legislature and numerous lawmakers.
Sanders, who is chairman of the 35-nation OAS’ permanent council, said Martelly remained “cool throughout the process.”
Lawmakers were scheduled to meet yesterday morning in a joint session to formally ensure Paul stays on to provide stability as plans for the interim government advance.
Martelly was also to give his final speech to the country from the building’s main chambers.
The special OAS mission had been observing negotiations to resolve a standoff over a disputed round of voting in October last year that led officials to suspend a runoff election that had been scheduled for Jan. 24.
Some opposition figures have repeatedly said Martelly could not be part of the process, but Sanders, said the deal was reached by elected officials who have the authority to do so.
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