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A “state of siege” was declared in Haiti on Wednesday, after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse pushed the nation further into existential crisis. For the next 15 days, the police have the power to break up large gatherings and search residential homes to investigate the killing.

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But opponents of the decree are questioning if former Prime Minister Claude Joseph has the ability to make the move in the first place.

Steven Benoit, a former Haitian senator, pointed to a constitutional article that says, “No part of the territory can be placed in a state of siege unless there is a civil war or a foreign invasion.” He also argues that Joseph is technically no longer in power.

“Joseph holds no qualification or title to take over the reins of power in Haiti,” he told VICE News, adding that only peaceful collaboration between the country’s clashing political parties could pull the country