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Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Haiti Wire) – The Presidential Transition Council (CPT) in Haiti has come under intense scrutiny this week from both international stakeholders and Haitian political actors. The pressure centers on calls for the removal of three council members—Louis Gérald Gilles, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Smith Augustin—implicated in a corruption scandal involving the National Credit Bank (BNC).
According to local reports, the CPT’s activities were stalled earlier this week due to the controversy. Council members ultimately determined that there is no legal framework allowing them to remove the accused members. “The council cannot expel its members; there is no provision for such an action,” CPT sources told Le Nouvelliste.
The CPT president, Leslie Voltaire, reportedly presented the implicated members with several options to address the growing concerns, including delegating their voting rights or voluntarily stepping aside. Despite these discussions, Gilles, Vertilaire, and Augustin have chosen to remain in their positions, citing their right to the presumption of innocence.
Legal and Political Tensions
The three council members have questioned the jurisdiction of investigating authorities, arguing that their status as heads of state within the transitional structure exempts them from legal inquiries. This position has drawn criticism from legal experts, some of whom assert that the individuals are defendants in the ongoing investigation.
Judge Benjamin Felismé, who is overseeing the case, has been accused by the implicated councilors of overstepping his authority. In a recent summons, Felismé invited Gilles for questioning—a move that Gilles’ legal team has contested, arguing that the judge lacks the competence to summon him.
The legal uncertainty has fueled broader debates about accountability within the transitional government. Critics argue that the CPT’s credibility is at stake, particularly as it faces mounting pressure to demonstrate good governance amid the ongoing political crisis.
Upcoming Decisions
The CPT is scheduled to meet on December 2 to address various issues, including potential reforms within the public administration. Sources report that changes are being considered for 15 government agencies, such as the Public Procurement Unit (BMPAD) and Customs. Additionally, the council plans to overhaul local governance structures, with appointments expected in delegations, vice-delegations, and municipalities across the country.
These structural changes aim to address administrative dysfunction, which CPT members attribute to the lack of coordination with local officials. “Over 30 municipal administrations are currently non-functional,” a source close to the council revealed.
Despite the ongoing controversies, the CPT remains focused on its mandate to stabilize Haiti’s political environment during the transitional period. Whether it can do so while weathering allegations of corruption and external pressure remains to be seen.
