Tension spikes in Haiti's political system

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Some opponents of Haitian President Rene Preval say he should be replaced by a crisis government better equipped to rebuild the quake-devastated nation.

"This is a moment of crisis," said Sen. Jean Hector Anacacis, who led the effort that ousted Haiti's previous prime minister. "And a moment of crisis demands that you have people with the ability to get things done."

Opposition lawmakers said they feel excluded from decision-making amid growing complaints about how Preval and the international community have handled the crisis caused by the Jan. 12 quake, which left more than 1.2 million homeless.

Preval's supporters have said he and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive should remain, but be given more support by replacing some ministers who have proven ineffective, The Miami Herald reported Monday.

A 16-member commission in Haiti's senate has been debating the effectiveness of Preval's government. The commission was expected to release its report Tuesday.