Title: The presidential electoral campaign in Madagascar ignites: eleven candidates in boycott
Introduction :
The race for the presidency of Madagascar is currently in full tumult, with eleven candidates out of the thirteen in the running having decided to boycott the electoral campaign. This decision follows accusations of unequal treatment by public authorities, as well as violent incidents during opposition demonstrations. In this article, we will return to the tense context of the electoral campaign and the criticisms leveled against the outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina.
A tense political climate:
According to nine Western chancelleries and the United Nations, the electoral campaign in Madagascar is taking place in a tense political climate. Embassies have expressed concern about the disproportionate use of force to disperse opposition protests. The President of the National Assembly even declared that the country was in an impasse.
The position of the outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina:
Faced with these criticisms, Andry Rajoelina, candidate for re-election, responded to questions from RFI and France 24. He asserts that the opposition is seeking to prevent the elections from taking place because it knows that he will be elected. He denies any “double standards” when it comes to freedom of expression, asserting that all candidates have the right to express themselves during the electoral campaign.
The dual nationality controversy:
One of the main controversies surrounding Andry Rajoelina’s candidacy concerns his dual nationality, French and Malagasy. According to the Malagasy Nationality Code, the voluntary acquisition of another nationality results in the loss of Malagasy nationality, which could invalidate one’s application. However, Andry Rajoelina affirms that dual nationality is accepted by the Malagasy Constitution and that the High Constitutional Court validated his candidacy.
The quest for a unifying leader:
In his response, Andry Rajoelina highlights the need for strong and unifying leadership for the country. He strongly condemns any action aimed at dividing the Malagasy people and affirms that Madagascar needs peace and stability. He rejects opposition accusations that the elections are being confiscated, stressing the need to respect the will of the people.
Conclusion :
The presidential electoral campaign in Madagascar is therefore marked by tensions, with eleven candidates who have decided to boycott the electoral process. Criticisms abound, particularly in terms of unequal treatment and respect for public freedoms. The controversy surrounding Andry Rajoelina’s dual nationality adds even more tension to this already tense context. It now remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and whether the elections will be able to take place in peaceful conditions.. In the meantime, Madagascar finds itself at a crucial turning point in its political history.