In Madagascar, the news is marked by strong tensions in the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for November 16. The outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, candidate for his own succession, spoke in an exclusive interview given to France 24 and RFI, from the capital Antananarivo.
In this interview, Andry Rajoelina affirms that his rivals are seeking to “prevent” the presidential vote from taking place because they know that he will be elected. The almost daily demonstrations by the opposition on the island bear witness to these growing tensions. However, the outgoing president denies wanting to prevent these demonstrations, maintaining that his rivals do not want an election, but rather a political transition.
A controversy also erupted around the dual nationality of Andry Rajoelina, Franco-Malagasy. The opposition believes this disqualifies him from the presidency. However, the outgoing president claims that the debate is closed and that the High Constitutional Court has ruled in his favor. He had in fact applied for French nationality in 2014 with the aim of passing it on to his children, but he denies any attempt to hide his nationality.
In addition, Andry Rajoelina responds to the accusations of the resigning president of the Senate according to which he threatened to leave his post. He rejects these allegations and attributes them to internal tensions within his party.
Finally, the outgoing president addresses the revelations of several European media according to which he used illegal listening means against his opponents. He affirms that everything he does is within the legal framework and underlines the need for his country to equip itself with sophisticated means to protect itself from internal and external threats. He also insists he doesn’t listen to his opponents.
Despite these political tensions, Andry Rajoelina defends his record by highlighting economic growth above the African average, while recognizing the shortcomings in the fight against poverty and access to water and electricity.
In conclusion, one month before the presidential election in Madagascar, tensions are high and opposition demonstrations are increasing. The outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, defends himself from the accusations and claims that his rivals are seeking to prevent the vote. To be monitored closely in the coming weeks to see how this situation evolves.