The presidential election campaign in Madagascar is currently at the heart of all discussions. This election, which will be held on November 16, is marked by strong tension and lively controversy. Indeed, eleven of the thirteen candidates in the running denounced unequal treatment on the part of the public authorities, while several embassies condemned the disproportionate use of force during opposition demonstrations.
Faced with this turbulent context, all eyes are on the outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, who is running for re-election. He is the exceptional guest of RFI and France 24, where he answers questions from journalists on the criticisms addressed to him.
Asked about the violent demonstrations during the electoral campaign, Andry Rajoelina affirms that the opposition seeks to prevent the elections from taking place, aware that its re-election is very likely. He denies the existence of differential treatment between candidates and recalls that in a democracy, it is the population who chooses their leader.
The opposition, for its part, accuses the outgoing president of benefiting from preferential treatment, by being able to campaign while being prevented from peacefully demonstrating. Andry Rajoelina denies this accusation and recalls that candidates have the right to hold meetings as part of the electoral campaign.
Another controversy concerns the dual nationality of Andry Rajoelina, who obtained French nationality in 2014. According to the Malagasy Nationality Code, the voluntary acquisition of another nationality results in the loss of Malagasy nationality, thus preventing the president leaving to stand for election. However, Andry Rajoelina assures that dual nationality is accepted by the Malagasy Nationality Code and that the High Constitutional Court confirmed his candidacy. He also recalls that other heads of state around the world also have dual nationality.
This interview gives an overview of the arguments put forward by Andry Rajoelina to defend his candidacy and respond to the controversies. The content of the debates shows that this presidential election in Madagascar is marked by great tension and important political issues. The Malagasy people are therefore impatiently awaiting the vote on November 16 to choose who will lead the country for the coming years.
In conclusion, the electoral campaign in Madagascar is marked by tensions and controversies. The outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, defends himself against critics who accuse him of unequal treatment and question his candidacy because of his dual nationality. The November 16 elections will determine the political future of the country, and the Malagasy people are eager to make their voices heard.