New Haiti prime minister gets to work without a parliament amid political standoff

Haiti's new Prime Minister Evans Paul listens during an interview at his government residence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015. Paul, the former mayor of Port-au-Prince and presidential candidate, automatically became Prime Minister after both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies failed to approve him by Jan. 12 when the terms of both houses expired. Paul was named to run the day-to-day affairs of the government by President Michel Martelly, replacing Laurent Lamothe. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) (The Associated Press)

Haiti's new Prime Minister Evans Paul gives an interview at his government residence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015. Paul, the former mayor of Port-au-Prince and presidential candidate, automatically became Prime Minister after both houses failed to approve him by Jan. 12 when the terms of both houses expired. Paul was named to run the day-to-day affairs of the government by President Michel Martelly, replacing Laurent Lamothe. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) (The Associated Press)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A new prime minister has taken office in Haiti as the country enters a period of political uncertainty following the dissolution of parliament because of a stalemate between lawmakers and the president.

Prime Minister Evans Paul was nominated by President Michel Martelly but has not been confirmed by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

The terms of all lawmakers expired as opponents of Martelly blocked legislation authorizing elections, so the president can now rule by decree under the constitution and Paul automatically assumed the prime minister's post.

Paul told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he is organizing the government and is trying to carry on amid the uncertainty. He said a new electoral council will be appointed within weeks and the legislative elections will be held this year.