The Citizens’ Organization for a New Haiti (OCNH) honored three university students on February 4, 2024, for their winning proposals to combat electoral corruption during the second edition of its national essay competition. Held at a hotel in Pétion-Ville, the ceremony drew Haitian officials and international diplomats, spotlighting youth-led solutions to a crisis that has long undermined the country’s democratic institutions.
Essay Contest Targets Electoral Corruption
This year’s theme, “Corruption in Haiti’s Electoral Process: Reality and Solutions,” challenged participants to dissect systemic graft and propose actionable reforms. The competition, open to students nationwide, aimed to harness academic rigor to address a issue that has delayed elections, eroded public trust, and fueled political instability.
Yves Raymond Junior Bonny and Stéphaneau Déhilaire, both law and economics students, along with Roobens Isma, a humanities scholar, emerged as winners. Their essays, praised for depth and innovation, will be distributed to Haitian government agencies and international bodies like the United Nations to inform policy discussions. “Corruption isn’t just a problem—it’s the problem,” said Bonny. “Our ideas can help rebuild transparency.”
Youth Leadership in Governance Reforms
Speakers at the event, including Haitian ministers and foreign diplomats, underscored the urgency of engaging young Haitians in governance. “The energy and intellect of our youth are Haiti’s greatest assets,” said Education Minister Nesmy Manigat. “Initiatives like this contest are vital to shaping a future where public service means serving the public.”
The OCNH, a civil society group founded in 2019, has positioned itself as a catalyst for grassroots change. By focusing on electoral integrity—a flashpoint in Haiti’s decade-long governance vacuum—the organization seeks to counter a culture of impunity that has allowed armed gangs and elites to hijack democratic processes.
International Backing and Next Steps
The U.S. Embassy and European Union delegates attended the ceremony, signaling support for local anti-corruption efforts. “Haiti’s path to stability requires inclusive dialogue, and these students are leading it,” said a UN representative. The OCNH plans to expand the contest annually, with themes addressing judicial reform and economic inequality.
Broader Context: Crisis and Resilience
Haiti’s last presidential election occurred in 2016, with subsequent votes derailed by violence, natural disasters, and alleged fraud. The OCNH’s contest arrives as Prime Minister Garry Conille’s transitional government struggles to schedule fresh elections amid gang control of 80% of Port-au-Prince.
While the essays alone cannot resolve Haiti’s crises, organizers hope they inspire broader civic engagement. “We’re planting seeds of accountability,” said OCNH director Michelène Insa. “When youth demand change, leaders must listen.”
