Why the Haitian Diaspora Needs a Civic Vote

It’s time to turn solidarity into democratic power

Every year, Haitians abroad send nearly $3.8 billion back home, almost 20% of Haiti’s GDP. Yet despite this massive contribution, the diaspora has no unified political voice.

In my latest op-ed, “Why the Haitian Diaspora Needs a Civic Vote,” I argue that the time has come for a democratic process to determine who truly represents us. Too often, individual members of our community assert the claim to speak for the “Haitian diaspora” without consultation, transparency, or accountability. The policymakers who engage these self-appointed "leaders" do so precisely because they know that no legitimate structure exists, and therefore, they will not face any pressure to keep their commitment. The impact is devastating for our community because it results in fragmentation, confusion, and missed opportunities for collective influence.

We can change that.

Inspired by the Centre pour le Leadership et l’Excellence (CLE Haiti), which recently held an online election process among its youth leaders in their Engaje program, I propose the creation of a Haitian Diaspora Civic Vote.

This initiative would use secure, transparent electronic voting to allow Haitians across the key regions with large Haitian communities to elect representatives who will be part of a Diaspora Council accountable to its voters. I believe an organization like the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) could help lead or convene this process, bringing democratic legitimacy and structure to diaspora representation. But a few key reputable organizations can come together and help build the infrastructure leading to a diaspora vote.

The goal is not to create a new elite; it is to build a system that transforms participation and our collective will into power. If we succeed, we can offer Haiti and the world a tangible example of how Haitians can design institutions that lead to genuine self-governance. We can no longer look longingly to Dessalines for inspiration alone. Our generation must build on our ancestors’ legacy and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.

Please read, comment, and share: https://open.substack.com/pub/johnnycelestin/p/why-the-haitian-diaspora-needs-a?r=5v0a1t&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true