“The latest news in Madagascar: the controversy surrounding the re-election of President Andry Rajoelina”
The upcoming presidential elections in Madagascar are increasingly contested. The opposition accuses the outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, of setting up an “institutional coup d’état” to promote his re-election. These accusations follow a series of legal decisions by the Constitutional Court which have sparked heated controversy.
Ten presidential candidates recently wrote a letter to the electoral commission to denounce President Rajoelina’s maneuvers. They claim that those in power manipulate institutions in order to guarantee an electoral victory for the head of state. In this letter, they describe the decisions of the Constitutional Court as an “institutional coup” aimed at favoring the outgoing candidate.
In recent days, several decisions by the Constitutional Court have reinforced suspicions of bias in favor of Andry Rajoelina. The president officially ceased to exercise power in accordance with the Constitution during the election period. However, the President of the Senate, who was to act in the interim, renounced this responsibility for personal reasons. Power was then entrusted to a “collegial government” led by the Prime Minister, a close ally of the president. This decision was validated by the Constitutional Court.
In addition, the Constitutional Court rejected three appeals filed by the opposition requesting the invalidation of Andry Rajoelina’s candidacy for non-compliance with Malagasy nationality criteria. Controversy over the president’s nationality has been fueled by media revelations that he acquired French nationality in 2014. Under Malagasy law, this would prevent him from leading the country and running for office.
Opponents and certain observers denounce these decisions of the Constitutional Court as being the result of maneuvers aimed at guaranteeing the re-election of Andry Rajoelina. They believe that these decisions call into question trust in institutions and call for the intervention of the international community to guarantee fair and transparent elections.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the re-election of Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina continues to cause tension. Accusations of an “institutional coup” and manipulation of institutions cast doubt on the legitimacy of the next presidential election. It is essential that measures are taken to guarantee free and fair elections and restore the confidence of the Malagasy people in the democratic process.
Sources:
– “Madagascar: the opposition denounces an “institutional coup” before the presidential election” – France 24
– “Madagascar: the 10 unsuccessful candidates denounce the institutional coup” – RFI
– “Madagascar: candidates denounce an institutional coup” – Jeune Afrique