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Antenor Guerrier, a Sèvitè, has been chosen to represent the Vodou religion in the new Haitian Electoral College. His selection broadens religious representation in the Haitian government. Previously, representation was limited to members of the Catholic Church, which had worked out an agreement for it to be the sole official religion of the country, and to members of U.S. based Protestant Churches, which following the American Occupation of Haiti,  steadilly gained a foothold in the country.

Ironically, in a country built by Africans, African based religions have had to struggle for recognition from those in power. Finally, President Preval has departed from the fallacy that European/Middle Eastern derived religions should have a monopoly on spiritual beliefs.  We applaud  Preval for embracing the diversity of Haitian religious thoughts and for allowing everyone to come to the table, including people who are knowledgeable in Haitian Traditional Religion and Culture.

We wish  Mr. Guerrier success.  Most importantly, we hope that the new electoral college will organize an impartial election. The Nouvelliste showed a picture of  Mr. Guerrier dressed in a traditional white African attire. The white emphasizes the purity of his mission. Hopefully, this symbolic message will transform into concrete action that will be reflected in the impartiality and transparency of the vote.