Port-au-Prince, Haiti — The National Federation of Mayors of Haiti (FENAMH) has issued a sharp rebuke of the country’s ongoing constitutional revision process, accusing national authorities of sidelining local leaders and undermining principles of democracy and decentralization. In a strongly worded statement this week, the organization warned that the exclusion of municipal and regional officials risks derailing efforts to foster inclusive governance in the crisis-stricken Caribbean nation.
FENAMH, representing Haiti’s network of local elected leaders, asserted that not a single mayor or regional official has been provided a copy of the proposed constitutional amendments, leaving them unable to contribute meaningfully to a debate that could reshape the nation’s political framework. The federation condemned the move as a violation of the 1987 Constitution, which enshrines decentralization as a cornerstone of Haiti’s governance structure.
“This process lacks transparency and fairness,” the federation stated, emphasizing that local authorities are “essential actors” in decentralizing power. The criticism comes amid a contentious campaign by Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to promote the revisions. FENAMH accused the CEP of running a one-sided information drive that encourages citizens to vote “Yes” without fostering open debate or clarifying the text’s implications.
Central to the federation’s demands is the immediate nationwide distribution of the proposed constitution in Haitian Creole, the primary language spoken by most citizens. “How can Haitians engage in informed dialogue if they cannot read or understand the document?” the statement read. The group argues that language barriers and limited access to the text have stifled grassroots participation, particularly in rural communities.
FENAMH has also called for the creation of a constituent assembly comprising local leaders, civil society groups, political parties, and citizens to oversee the revisions. Such a body, they claim, would ensure the final draft reflects Haiti’s diverse needs and prevents the process from being “hijacked by a handful of decision-makers.”
The constitutional overhaul has sparked fierce debate in Haiti, where political instability and institutional distrust remain pervasive. Critics, including civil society organizations, allege the revisions could consolidate power in the hands of elites rather than empower local jurisdictions. FENAMH’s intervention amplifies concerns that the current approach risks repeating historical patterns of exclusion.
“Constitutional reform cannot be an elite exercise—it must be a national conversation,” the federation asserted, urging authorities to recalibrate the process to prioritize inclusivity. “The future of Haiti depends on it.”
As tensions rise, the government has yet to respond publicly to FENAMH’s demands. Observers warn that sidelining local leaders could deepen mistrust and complicate efforts to stabilize a nation grappling with gang violence, economic collapse, and a crippled judiciary.
