The lower house of Haiti's parliament confirmed Jean-Max Bellerive as prime minister on Saturday, clearing the way for the economist and veteran politician to form a new government.

An overwhelming majority of members in the Chamber of Deputies ratified Bellerive as the new premier of the impoverished Caribbean nation. He was appointed to the position by President Rene Preval last week.

The 52-2 vote came a day after Bellerive won unanimous confirmation in the Senate.

He is expected to be sworn into office by Preval sometime next week, after forming a cabinet and submitting his government plan for formal approval by parliament.

Bellerive replaces Michele Pierre-Louis, who was fired as prime minister by the Senate on Oct. 30 for allegedly failing to improve the country's economy.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and has a long history of political violence and instability.

Four hurricanes and tropical storms pounded Haiti last year, killing some 800 people, devastating crops, washing away bridges and flooding seaside towns.

Bellerive previously served as Preval's planning and external cooperation minister and has held positions in governments under at least six different prime ministers over the past two decades.


Reuters