Political

Coordinator: Fanmi Lavalas is Still Closer to the People.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) - After the last elections, most all political parties are trying to recover. They are working to reappear on the political stage after being beaten by an outsider advocating change from the current system. Maryse Narcisse, coordinator of the Executive Committee of Fanmi Lavalas, does not seem to be affected by this discourse because, she says, her party was excluded from the last elections.

"Excluding a party does not contribute to strengthening democracy in the country," she says. However, she refuses to talk about the return of her party on the political scene because, she says, "Lavalas has always been and is still on the ground working alongside the majority, and to accompany them in their causes."

Moreover, the coordinator included the return of Jean-Bertrand Aristide as part of this mobilization, a long and intense struggle.

Lavalas has a political arm, the Lavalas political organization, and a social arm, the Aristide Foundation. The foundation has over a hundred thousand (100,000) young people currently participating in various training workshops (IT, human rights, agriculture, music ...) through the Youth League. In addition, the University Foundation has opened its doors again to accommodate more than one hundred medical students.

The party's political actions aim to renew the leadership. Ms. Narcisse announced soon for the organization of the Congress of Lavalas to take part in upcoming electoral contests.

"The goal of any party is to come to power. For that, one way: the election. In addition, when you have a program, a vision and goals, if we remain outside the government, this program, this vision and these objectives will remain wishful thinking," said Maryse Narcisse.

The Congress will strengthen their organizational structures and to conquer the power lost since 2004.

Why do you want regain power?

"This is not a springboard for social or for individual agendas, but to bring about significant changes in the country, strengthen democracy and defend national sovereignty. It is to continue to promote the political, economic, social and cultural development of all Haitians through a rule of law. This is enshrined in our political program, investing in people," said Maryse Narcisse.

President Martelly's attitude against the twenty-five year organization does not seem to reach Lavalas. The political party does take stock of his time as the head of the state.

"We had some obstacles that have slowed down in our race. We should not minimize the accomplishments of Lavalas. Construction of 195 primary schools, 104 secondary schools. Established grant programs of equipment, canteen and school buses. So we would do much more. For this, we set out to conquer power," stated Dr. Narcisse.

Financing, as for all political parties, said Narcisse relies on membership fees and grants from supporters of the organization.

"Suppose that each member pays five HTG per month, only for the Western Department, it would mean five million gourds to Lavalas," says Ms. Narcisse.

"It is true that the economic situation is very difficult, [that is] why we do not put too much pressure on our members, even if they do not meet their obligations," she said.

There is no other source of funding for the party of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who currently serves as special advisor to the party. Yet in the last Congress, he was elected national representative of the organization. However, he chose to work in the field of education.

To be a member of Lavalas, you must not be a member of any other political structure. However, Ms. Narcisse points out that membership is not for life, members may leave.

"Respect the right of each member of the organization is important. When a member decides that the organization no longer meets their expectations, they have a right to leave. And we appreciate that," said Maryse Narcisse.

However, the former presidential candidate under the banner of Lavni, Yves Christallin, who claims to be Lavalas, and other influential members gave up.

These include, for example Mario Dupuis, a former spokesman for President Aristide and the current president, Martelly's, communications adviser Martelly.

In addition, the parties arising out of Lavalas are many: new Ansanm fò, Lavni, Veye yo Bridge ... For Dr. Narcisse, they are much more to integrate the party, for it is better to focus on inputs rather than outputs, the question of proper use.

These zest division should be a handicap for Lavalas. However, Maryse Narcisse said that the weakness of Lavalas is rather the difficulties encountered in power and prevented them from achieving and investing in the people in all their entirety.

Worse, Fanmi Lavalas has no international funding. "We had to rely on local resources, which has been our greatest weakness." As for the forces, Maryse Narcisse said that the people believe in Lavalas.

"Most people trusts us and knows that our goals are in line with their interests," boasts the coordinator. To all the Haitians, Maryse Narcisse, on behalf of Lavalas, address the message: "Haiti is our country. Unity is strength must now be the slogan that brings us together so that we resume in hand the destiny of the country and come to reclaim our dignity and our sovereignty. " Established in 1996, Lavalas was not entitled to participate in the last election for failing to submit notarized signed the mandate of national representative, then in exile. "

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Source: Le Matin