'Winner-take-all' mentality fueling Haitian turmoil, say speakers

Published: 2006-02-15

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Much of the post-election turmoil in Haiti stems from a "winner-take-all" mentality in which opposition political leaders do not understand the concept of working together, several speakers told Catholic social ministry officials. The Haitian bishops could help the situation by telling rivals "to avoid all-or-nothing politics," said Oblate Father Seamus Finn, director of the Oblate Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Office. But bishops' statements so far have been general and not addressed this issue, he said. Jenny Russell, Catholic Relief Services consultor on Haiti, said that Haiti has a long history of dictatorships. "The concept of a presidential leader who shares power is not there," said Russell. "What we are seeing in the streets is a country without a democratic history," she said. The "paradox of the election" is that it shows the "winner-take-all" mentality and also a vibrant people who want to participate in political decision-making, said Russell.

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