Madagascar. In November we vote, between the “mystère malgache” and the question of the president’s nationality

Tensions Rise in Madagascar Ahead of Presidential Elections

by Francesco Giappichini –

In Madagascar, the political climate is becoming increasingly tense as the country prepares for the upcoming presidential elections on November 9. One of the key issues that has emerged in recent days is the question of the nationality of the current president, Andry Rajoelina, who is running for a new term. The fragmented opposition has been contesting recent measures that limit political rights and capitalizing on public discontent. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the rise of a candidate allegedly supported by Russia.

The economic challenges facing Madagascar have also come into focus. The country has long been ranked among the poorest on the planet, despite not experiencing any wars or ethnic conflicts. This has raised questions about the underlying factors contributing to the country’s persistent poverty.

As the November vote approaches, the current head of state, Rajoelina, remains the favorite. He will face competition from the liberal former president Marc Ravalomanana and possibly another former head of state, the centrist Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Other challengers who have recently emerged include Hajo Andrianainarivelo, a former government member, and businessman Maminiaina “Mamy” Ravatomanga, who may withdraw from the race. However, it is the pro-Putinian candidate, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the vice president of the International Judo Federation, who has captured the attention of the media.

The opposition has seized on the revelation that President Rajoelina holds French nationality, which raises questions about his eligibility to run for office according to the Malagasy Constitution. However, supporters argue that Rajoelina’s acquisition of French citizenship was automatic and not subject to the same regulations as foreign citizenship.

The opposition has also criticized the recent government ban on outdoor political meetings, which they claim discriminates against opponents as it does not apply to ministers or the president. Even indoor rallies are restricted, with politicians only allowed to speak in their respective constituencies and prohibited from discussing ongoing legislative processes.

The international community has expressed concern about the political climate in Madagascar ahead of the elections. Representatives from the European Union, Germany, the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway issued a joint statement warning that the government’s actions could contribute to further tensions.

Citizens’ discontent has been exacerbated by the crisis in the vanilla sector. Two months ago, exporters rebelled against the government’s imposition of a legal minimum price, which they deemed too high. Eventually, they succeeded in obtaining liberalization for vanilla exports. However, the overall economy is struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts a growth rate of 4% but warns of inflationary pressures and sharp devaluation. The IMF attributes these difficulties to the devastation caused by cyclones, the weaknesses of the vanilla sector, and global uncertainties stemming from the war in Ukraine.

Amidst these challenges, the question remains whether the candidate Randrianasoloniaiko, whose electoral campaign “Mihava tour” is energetically supported by Russia, will be able to capitalize on the current impasse.

The presidential elections in Madagascar will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the country. As the political climate remains tense and economic challenges persist, the outcome of the elections will shape the path forward for Madagascar and its people.

How has the controversy surrounding President Rajoelina’s nationality impacted the political landscape in Madagascar in the lead-up to the presidential elections?

Tensions are escalating in Madagascar as the country gears up for its presidential elections on November 9th. A significant issue that has recently surfaced is the nationality of the current president, Andry Rajoelina, who is seeking re-election. The opposition, which is divided, has been challenging new measures that restrict political rights and capitalizing on public dissatisfaction. Adding to the complexity is the emergence of a candidate allegedly backed by Russia.

The economic challenges that Madagascar faces have also become a focal point. Despite not experiencing any wars or ethnic conflicts, the country has long been ranked among the world’s poorest. This has prompted questions about the underlying factors contributing to its enduring poverty.

As the November election approaches, the current president, Rajoelina, remains the frontrunner. He will face competition from former liberal president Marc Ravalomanana, and possibly another former president, the centrist Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Other contenders, such as former government member Hajo Andrianainarivelo and businessman Maminiaina “Mamy” Ravatomanga, have recently emerged, though Ravatomanga may withdraw from the race. However, it is the pro-Putinian candidate, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the vice president of the International Judo Federation, who has caught the media’s attention.

The opposition has seized upon the revelation that President Rajoelina holds French nationality, raising concerns about his eligibility to run for office according to the Malagasy Constitution. However, supporters argue that Rajoelina’s acquisition of French citizenship was automatic and not subject to the same regulations as foreign citizenship.