Post-CPT Alternative: Uncertainty Persists
the date of February 7, 2026, approaches, the political debate intensifies in Haiti. This deadline, intended to mark the end of the Transition and the installation of elected authorities, currently crystallizes tensions between political actors, weakened institutions, and a civil society in search of direction.
By Jean Mapou · Port-au-Prince
· 3 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
As the date of February 7, 2026, approaches, the political debate intensifies in Haiti. This deadline, intended to mark the end of the Transition and the installation of elected authorities, currently crystallizes tensions between political actors, weakened institutions, and a civil society in search of direction. In the background, persistent insecurity and the absence of clear consensus make the outcome uncertain.
Fragmented but Active Political Forces
The Haitian political landscape remains dominated by a multiplicity of actors without strong central leadership. Traditional parties struggle to assert themselves, while political groupings, independent figures, civil society organizations, and economic sectors attempt to influence the direction of the Transition.
The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), composed of nine members, remains at the heart of the political game. However, its legitimacy is regularly and strongly contested. These criticisms currently fuel several proposals for exiting the crisis.
Three Major Alternatives at the Heart of the National Debate
Given the current uncertainties, three main scenarios structure the political discussions.
First option: the dismissal of the CPT and the government.
This proposal, advocated by certain political actors, aims to establish a new bicameral executive, led by a judge of the Court of Cassation, in accordance with a strict interpretation of the Constitution – unamended version. Proponents of this option believe that such a scheme would restore institutional legitimacy and break with a Transition deemed ineffective. Second option: a monocephalic executive centered around a Prime Minister.
Other actors advocate for maintaining a streamlined executive, without a president, with a Prime Minister at the head of either a new government or a reshuffled government. This formula is presented as more pragmatic, allowing for administrative continuity while limiting internal conflicts at the top of the state, placing the current Prime Minister Fils-Aimé as the sole master on board, similar to Ariel Henry. Third option: maintaining a president from the CPT.
Finally, a third path involves appointing a president from among the nine members of the CPT to accompany the government until the end of the Transition. In this context, councilor-president Leslie Voltaire appears as the figure enjoying the broadest political consensus. Perceived as more unifying, he embodies, for many, a viable option for institutional stability without abrupt rupture. A Transition Under Pressure Beyond alliance games and political calculations, the success of any of these options will largely depend on the ability of actors to agree on a minimum consensus, in a context marked by insecurity, social fatigue, and mistrust of institutions. As February 7, 2026, approaches, Haiti therefore faces a decisive choice: either succeed in stabilizing the Transition around an acceptable formula, or expose itself to a new phase of political uncertainty. The coming weeks will be decisive. Gesly Sinvilier/ Le Relief
This proposal, advocated by certain political actors, aims to establish a new bicameral executive, led by a judge of the Court of Cassation, in accordance with a strict interpretation of the Constitution – unamended version. Proponents of this option believe that such a scheme would restore institutional legitimacy and break with a Transition deemed ineffective. Second option: a monocephalic executive centered around a Prime Minister.
Other actors advocate for maintaining a streamlined executive, without a president, with a Prime Minister at the head of either a new government or a reshuffled government. This formula is presented as more pragmatic, allowing for administrative continuity while limiting internal conflicts at the top of the state, placing the current Prime Minister Fils-Aimé as the sole master on board, similar to Ariel Henry. Third option: maintaining a president from the CPT.
Finally, a third path involves appointing a president from among the nine members of the CPT to accompany the government until the end of the Transition. In this context, councilor-president Leslie Voltaire appears as the figure enjoying the broadest political consensus. Perceived as more unifying, he embodies, for many, a viable option for institutional stability without abrupt rupture. A Transition Under Pressure Beyond alliance games and political calculations, the success of any of these options will largely depend on the ability of actors to agree on a minimum consensus, in a context marked by insecurity, social fatigue, and mistrust of institutions. As February 7, 2026, approaches, Haiti therefore faces a decisive choice: either succeed in stabilizing the Transition around an acceptable formula, or expose itself to a new phase of political uncertainty. The coming weeks will be decisive. Gesly Sinvilier/ Le Relief
