Title: “Political tension in Antananarivo reaches its peak during the demonstration of the 11 presidential candidates”
Introduction :
In a tense political context in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, tension rose a notch during the march of the 11 presidential candidates towards the Palais des Sports. The demonstrators are demanding the signing of a political agreement and are threatening a rally on the Place du 13 Mai if no resolution is found. The police surrounded the group of demonstrators and ordered them to disperse. This demonstration reflects the deep political divisions that drive the country during this electoral period.
Clear demands and a desire for action:
The 11 candidates for the presidential election expressed their demands during the demonstration. They demand the dissolution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in its current composition, as well as a special electoral court. Furthermore, they contest the validity of the candidacy of a person without Malagasy citizenship and question the neutrality of the current government in the electoral process. The candidates expressed their desire to act quickly and mobilize the country’s active forces if no resolution is found in the coming days.
A context of distrust and tensions:
This demonstration reflects the widespread distrust of the country’s institutions, notably the CENI and the High Constitutional Court (HCC). The candidates believe that these institutions made partisan decisions affecting the fairness of the electoral process. They consider that the official referee of the political game has chosen his side and question the integrity of the government. These heightened tensions highlight the deep political divisions that persist in Antananarivo.
The government’s response and request for political agreement:
The government responded to the demonstration by calling it a provocation and emphasizing that it violated legal provisions prohibiting political demonstrations in public places. The government spokesperson rejected the candidates’ demand for a political agreement as “unfounded”. This government response risks accentuating tensions and further complicating the political situation in Antananarivo.
Conclusion :
The demonstration of 11 presidential candidates in Antananarivo reflects the political tension reigning in the Malagasy capital. The candidates’ demands reflect distrust in the country’s institutions and highlight the deep political divisions that prevent the emergence of a consensus. It is essential that the different political actors quickly find common ground to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.. The situation nevertheless remains uncertain and it is necessary to closely monitor the development of events in Antananarivo.