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Leslie Voltaire, an architect and representative of the Fanmi Lavalas party, was officially installed as the new president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) on Monday, October 7, 2024. He replaces outgoing president Edgard Leblanc Fils following a resolution passed by a majority of CPT members, which altered the leadership rotation plan originally established in May 2024.
Voltaire’s appointment came after Smith Augustin, the representative of the RED/EDE/Compromis Historique coalition, was slated to take over from Leblanc Fils. However, due to a recent resolution, Voltaire was selected to assume the leadership role. This decision follows ongoing concerns related to allegations of corruption involving several CPT members, including Augustin.
The installation ceremony, held at the Villa d’Accueil, was attended by key figures from Haiti’s transitional government, including the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Rameau Normil, the Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian Armed Forces, Derby Guerrier, and representatives of the international community. Leaders from Fanmi Lavalas, including Dr. Maryse Narcisse and Joël Édouard “Pasha” Vorbe, were also present.
Voltaire’s vision for the CPT
In his inaugural speech, Voltaire acknowledged the significant challenges facing Haiti, particularly in terms of security and governance. He emphasized the urgent need to restore peace, transparency, and trust in the country’s institutions. “The Haitian people are tired of violence, deceit, corruption, and the dishonest maneuvers that jeopardize their future and that of future generations,” Voltaire said.
Voltaire committed to strengthening the CPT’s existing structures and working towards the rehabilitation of Haiti’s republican institutions. He also stressed the importance of transparency, unity, and collaboration, calling on political actors to avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on the country’s pressing needs. Under his leadership, which is set to last until March 7, 2025, Voltaire aims to lay the groundwork for new elections and the stabilization of the nation.
Leadership transition amidst corruption scandal
Voltaire’s appointment coincides with an ongoing corruption investigation involving three CPT members—Smith Augustin, Louis Gérald Gilles, and Emmanuel Vertilaire—who are accused of extorting 100 million gourdes from the president of the Board of Directors of the National Credit Bank (BNC), Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis. These allegations have cast a shadow over the council’s operations, raising concerns about the integrity of the leadership.
Outgoing president Edgard Leblanc Fils, who did not attend the installation ceremony, had previously criticized the resolution that altered the leadership rotation. He voiced his disagreement with the decision to modify the original May 2024 agreement on the CPT’s decision-making process, highlighting concerns over the council’s direction and the ongoing corruption issues.
As the new president of the CPT, Voltaire inherits significant challenges, including the need to address Haiti’s security crisis and political instability. His leadership will be crucial in guiding the country through this turbulent period and laying the foundation for future elections and governance reforms. With a mandate lasting until March 2025, Voltaire’s success in addressing these challenges will shape the course of Haiti’s transitional government in the coming months.
