The institution has just inherited two big issues on which it will have to decide: the postponement, or not, of the election due to force majeure and the interim management of the country by the President of the Senate. On Wednesday, the HCC judges summoned the candidates to their premises in order to take stock of the hot topics. 11 of the 13 candidates were present. Although the suspense was at its height, no decision was made publicly at the end of the meeting.
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo, Sarah Tétaud
The suspense will last a few more days because the High Constitutional Court needs more time. This Wednesday, the discussions took place under the seal of confidentiality, explained the candidates after the meeting.
In any case, the two hot topics of the moment were discussed, confirms candidate Auguste Paraina. Starting with the candidate injured in the face by the police, who left to seek treatment in Mauritius and who requested postponement due to force majeure. “ Andry Raobelina has a certificate so he cannot do propaganda for 30 days. So this is still a reason to postpone the elections. But it doesn’t depend on us », adds Mr. Paraina.
” It’s the law “
Another subject, the about-face of the President of the Senate who now asks to assume the function of interim head of state during the electoral period, as provided for in the Constitution. He first gave up last month after, he said, receiving death threats from members of the government. “ We mentioned the request of the President of the Senate so we are awaiting the decision of the HCC “, said Jean-Brunelle Razafitsiandraofa, candidate of the collective of 11. And to add: “ It is still constitutional from the moment the HCC will reverse the decision already taken regarding the President of the Senate as interim president. It’s the law ! We are simply waiting for the law to be enforced. It is a constitutional provision. We have an interest in living in peace “, he added.
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Contacted, an expert in constitutional law who wishes to remain anonymous confirms that appointing the president of the Senate as interim head of state would be the most logical choice legally speaking, although the situation gives rise to a legal vacuum. On the other hand, according to the expert, the candidate’s injury does not constitute a case of force majeure under Malagasy law and should not lead to the postponement of the election.
Wednesday evening, at a press conference, the majority senators announced that they were calling into question “ mental health status » of their president and asked the government for an extraordinary session to take measures against the head of the Senate.
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