The presidential election in Madagascar is fast approaching and the outgoing president, Andry Rajoelina, is sparing no effort to convince voters in the north of the island. Accompanied by Malagasy stars Ceasar and Rijade, he recently held a meeting in Antalaha, where the vanilla crisis was at the heart of concerns.
Despite the spectacle offered by the artists on stage, the question of vanilla took over. Indeed, this product is the engine of the regional economy but lost 80% of its value during Rajoelina’s mandate. Residents of the region are therefore calling for an increase in the prices of vanilla, but also of all local products.
However, the outgoing president highlighted one of his achievements in the region: the renovation of the road from Ambilobe to Vohémar. He also promised the creation of a new east-west axis, called the “road to the sun”, with the aim of boosting the economy and facilitating trade.
Young people were also present in large numbers during this meeting, but for many of them, it was more to attend the gala given by the artists than to politically support the outgoing president.
While the electoral campaign is in full swing, the candidates are competing to convince voters, but the main concern in the north of Madagascar remains the economic situation and the promotion of local products. Voters are waiting for concrete solutions to revive the region’s economy, particularly that of vanilla.
In conclusion, the electoral campaign in Madagascar continues in the north of the island, with outgoing President Andry Rajoelina trying to seduce voters. Despite the spectacle offered by the artists and the achievements announced, the vanilla crisis remains at the heart of the concerns of the region’s inhabitants. Candidates will therefore have to propose concrete solutions to revive the economy and meet voters’ expectations.