The World : Haiti Constitution Voided

Less than three weeks after he seized power in a coup, Lt. Gen. Henri Namphy discarded Haiti’s constitution, dealing a major blow to hopes for democracy in the Caribbean nation. In a televised address from the presidential palace, Namphy promised that a new constitution will be written soon. He said the one approved overwhelmingly by voters in March, 1987, was “ratified in a climate of passion and emotion.” He added: “It is obviously illusory to think of the full enjoyment of rights and liberties in the context of absolute poverty in which nearly 70% of the population in the country is vegetating.” However, Namphy pledged to respect freedom of speech and assembly. The June 19 coup sent President Leslie F. Manigat into exile.