Haiti Caucus: Forging path out of crisis will not be quick, but necessary to avoid false ‘democracy’

House Haiti Caucus co-Chairs Val Demings (D-Fla.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), and Andy Levin (D-Mich.) said on Thursday that forging a path out of the current crisis in the country would be necessary “to lift up the voices of the Haitian people and craft U.S. policy that puts their will and wellbeing first.”

“Right now, a broad-based coalition of Haitian civil society organizations are working to forge a path out of this crisis—one that restores authentic democracy and provides for a caretaker government while creating the conditions for free and fair elections in which all of Haiti’s citizens can participate safely, the caucus said in a statement. “This will not be quick and easy work, but it is essential if we wish to avoid a false ‘democracy’ in which elites hash out backroom deals to win power and credible elections are impossible.”

The caucus also said that the U.S. needs to support Haiti during this time, referring to meeting with civil society representatives and not allowing “hasty elections” without creating suitable conditions for them. 

“The Haitian people have proven their desire for a safe and democratic future, and the United States must let Haitians take the lead if that future is to become a reality.”

This comes as Haitian authorities have arrested 20 people in connection with the killing of Haitian President Jovenal Moïse’s killing last week, including two U.S. citizens of Haitian descent.