Amending the Constitution: The Haitian Congress

[Senou*]

Election is supposed to be a simple exercise; last week, I voted in Georgia. I woke up a little early, take the line, cast my vote and drive to work. I wish one day, my Haitian brothers and sisters back home can be able to exert that right in a quiet and peaceful environment. Joseph Alfred, Educator

Amending the Constitution: The Haitian Congress

The Haitian constitution should be amended to reflect the needs of the Haitian Diaspora. Which branch of the government that has the authority to amend the constitution?
The Congress

What we need to do?
We need to support open-minded Deputés and Senators who may be willing to amend the constitution and remove or make changes in these two articles below. We need to start from the source. Also, some modification shall be made on ARTICLE 284-2. There is no need to wait for the inauguration of the next president.

Remember th
at each Deputé or Senator is accountable to his/her constituent. Politic is politic and understanding the political culture du milieu is very important. We need to use Diplomacy and support project in various constituents where we likely find some cool Senators and Deputés who may want to remove these two articles. We need to give them a reason to do so.

At this particular moment, I urge the Diaspora to cool down, observe and support. We need to understand that various folks back home are going to lose power and they may be reluctant to take that route. The Diaspora needs to be very prudent and since there are different ways to speak and make yourself understood, I think we need to start building libraries, assisting schools, providing cantines, building dispensaires, creating jobs, buying homemade goods and so on. In doing so, we will play an active role in the mother country and in exchange they will remove articles 13 and 15. Remember in everything there is a R.O.I.; We need to give them a reason
…


Article 13
Haitian nationality is lost by:

a) Naturalization in a foreign country;

b) Holding a political post in the service of a foreign country;

c) Continuous residence abroad of a naturalized Haitian without duly granted authorization by a competent official. Anyone who loses his nationality in this manner may not reacquire it.


ARTICLE 15:
Dual Haitian and foreign nationality is in no case permitted.

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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 282:
On the recommendation, with reasons given to support it, of one of the two (2) Houses or of the Executive Branch, the Legislature may declare that the Constitution should be amended.

ARTICLE 282-1:
This declaration must be supported by two-thirds (2/3) of each of the two (2) Houses. It may be made only in the course of the last Regular Session of the Legislative period and shall be published immediately throughout the territory.

ARTICLE 283:
At the f
irst session of the following legislature period, the Houses shall meet in a National Assembly and decide on the proposed amendment.

ARTICLE 284:
The National Assembly may not sit or deliberate on the amendment unless at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of each of the two (2) Houses are present.


ARTICLE 284-1:
No decision of the National Assembly may be taken without a majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast.

ARTICLE 284-2:
The amendment passed may enter into effect only after installation of the next elected President. In no case may the President under the Government that approved the amendment benefit from any advantages deriving therefrom.

ARTICLE 284-3:
General elections to amend the Constitution by referendum are strictly forbidden.

ARTICLE 284-4:
No amendment to the Constitution may affect the democratic and republican nature of the State.