Vantage | Why Madagascar's opposition calls its polls an 'institutional coup'

Madagascar, an island nation off the east coast of Africa with a population of approximately 28 million people, is currently in the midst of preparations for a crucial presidential election. However, the political landscape is marred by controversy as the nation, one of the poorest in the world, braces for a heated electoral battle.

Madagascar’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled for Thursday, was initially poised to witness the participation of four former presidents, each vying for a second and final term. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with two of the contenders opting to boycott the election and demanding its postponement. This move has sparked concerns and intensified the already tense atmosphere. The opposition alleges that the country is undergoing an institutional coup orchestrated by the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina. They accuse Rajoelina of manipulating the electoral process, raising questions about the fairness and adherence to international standards. Rajoelina’s political background Andry Rajoelina, a 49-year-old leader, has a complex political history in Madagascar. Serving one term as president and another as a junta-backed leader, he faced political challenges in 2009 when the military supported him. Despite overseeing the drafting of a new constitution and the return to democracy in 2013, Rajoelina was not allowed to stand as a presidential candidate. Subsequently, he backed an alternative candidate, hoping to assume the role of prime minister, a move that did not materialise. Undeterred, Rajoelina successfully stood for the presidency in 2019 and has since faced allegations of bending Madagascar’s institutions to suit his agenda. Opposition’s perspective Former presidents have joined the opposition, protesting against Rajoelina’s perceived high-handedness. Opposition rallies have faced restrictions, with reports of tear gas use and injuries to rival presidential candidates. International bodies, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, have expressed concerns about the crackdown, denouncing the use of excessive force. Christine Razanamahasoa, president of the National Assembly of Madagascar, said, “The electoral process must comply with international standards. This is not the case at the moment with the election that we are trying to organise on November 16. We are strongly calling for the electoral process to be suspended.” Presidential response In response to allegations, President Rajoelina downplays the concerns, asserting that the international community will choose stability over chaos. He claims widespread public support, with his rallies drawing thousands. However, the opposition disputes this, alleging that the gatherings are paid for and challenging Rajoelina’s eligibility to run for president. Said Andry Rajoelina, Malagasy incumbent president and candidate for re-election: “The international community will choose the path of stability. The opposition today wants chaos, they’re taking the population to the streets, to insurrection, but they can’t do it, and I’m telling you this because the population supports me.” An additional layer of complexity arises from questions about Rajoelina’s citizenship. Having become a French citizen in 2014, along with members of his family, the opposition argues that Rajoelina is no longer a citizen of Madagascar, making his presidential candidacy illegitimate. Rajoelina refutes this, asserting that his Malagasy citizenship was not revoked. As Madagascar heads toward contested polls amid violence and political turmoil, the situation remains fluid. The opposition’s boycott, allegations of electoral misconduct and the citizenship controversy surrounding President Rajoelina contribute to a complex and uncertain electoral landscape. The international community closely watches developments in this former French colony as it grapples with the challenges of democracy and governance. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.