Title: Presidential election in Madagascar: postponement of the first round and political tensions
Introduction :
The High Constitutional Court (HCC) of Madagascar announced the postponement by one week of the first round of the presidential election, initially scheduled for November 9. This decision comes in a context of growing political tensions and protests from opposition candidates, united within the “collective of 11”. This article looks at the reasons for this postponement and the political issues shaking the country.
Context of the postponement of the first round:
The postponement of the first round of the presidential election follows a request filed by one of the opposition candidates, Andry Raobelina. Injured in the eye during a demonstration, he was forced to withdraw from the campaign and requested a postponement due to “force majeure”. Although the request was rejected by the HCC, the latter nevertheless decided to postpone the vote due to the general climate of tension which reigns in the country.
The protests of the collective of 11:
The eleven opposition candidates formed the “collective of 11” in order to form a united front against the government in place and demand fair and transparent elections. They refused to participate in the election campaign until a political agreement was reached. This protest revealed deep discontent among the population towards the authorities and fueled political tensions.
Dismissal of the President of the Senate:
Alongside the electoral campaign, a crisis broke out in the Senate, leading to the dismissal of President Herimanana Razafimahefa. Senators from the outgoing president’s party questioned his mental stability after he expressed his willingness to assume the role of interim head of state, in accordance with the Constitution. This dismissal raises questions about the political stability of the country.
Implications and political issues:
The postponement of the first round of the presidential election and the accompanying political tensions raise questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the government’s ability to guarantee fair and equitable elections. The opposition candidates’ challenges highlight the deep political divisions across the country and the need to find consensus to avoid a major political crisis.
Conclusion :
The political situation in Madagascar is marked by the postponement of the first round of the presidential election and tensions between the government and opposition candidates. This crisis highlights the challenges the country faces in achieving a peaceful and democratic political transition. The role of the HCC and legal institutions in regulating the electoral process is crucial to ensure fair electoral participation and the stability of the country.