Finally, a new government for Haiti, after lawmakers approve Cabinet, prime minister's policy agenda

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti is finally operating under a fully staffed government almost a year after national elections were held.

The Chamber of Deputies approved a 17-member Cabinet and the policy agenda of Prime Minister Garry Conille on Saturday morning.

There were 81 favorable votes and seven abstentions in a hearing that lasted 14 hours.

The vote comes five months after musician Michel Martelly was sworn in as president and a week after Conille was approved as prime minister.

The delay in establishing a formal government has slowed reconstruction following last year’s devastating earthquake.

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