Committee Overview

The Cabinet of Haiti is the main executive body of the Haitian government. Like other parliamentary democracies, members of parliament are selected directly to serve as ministers. Additionally, other politicians and experts outside of the legislature may also be selected to serve on the cabinet. Within the cabinet, the ministers oversee their respective government ministries and will report directly to the Prime Minister. Currently, there are 19 cabinet ministers within the Haitian cabinet that oversee ministries ranging from defense to transport and public works. The Prime Minister reserves the right to dissolve and re-select the cabinet members. The parliament may also introduce a vote of no confidence if it believes that the cabinet has failed to carry out its responsibilities.

Topic: Political Stabilization and National Recovery

Over the past decade, the government of the Republic of Haiti has experienced an intense period of tumult and uncertainty. In 2016, Jovenel Moïse was elected President in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. However, his presidency was characterized by surges in gang violence, failed recovery efforts, and a severe economic downturn. The country entered a period of crisis when he was assassinated in July 2021. Under Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the government has tried to reschedule elections multiple times, but faced many difficulties. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased gang violence made it nearly impossible to hold organized and fair elections. As a result, the seat of the President has remained empty for over three years. Many active members of the government have long exceeded their terms, and Parliament has lost its legal power to pass legislation. Public support and faith in the government is essentially gone. In its place, gangs and organized crime have risen to dangerous levels with little to no government control. In April 2024, Prime Minister Henry resigned to make way for a Transitional Presidential Council to coordinate the next election with the new Prime Minister, Garry Conille. With gang violence remaining unchecked and infrastructure in desperate need of a rebuild, delegates must address the countless issues plaguing Haitian politics and society and plan out a path towards a stable government.

Background guide and other resources