In Madagascar, less than a week before the communal and municipal elections, propaganda caravans continue their parades every day in the country’s major cities, to the almost general indifference of a population more occupied with its own survival. In the capital, a student association from the University of Antananarivo supported by the UNDP has set itself the mission of convincing young people – usually reluctant to vote – to go to the polls. Report on the Ankatso campus.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Antananarivo, Sarah Tétaud
“ Do you know that there will be an election soon in our country? Do you think you will participate in the vote next Wednesday? », asks, smiling, Tiavina Andrianantenainasoa, 20 years old, member of the “Economy” branch of the “Club for the UN” student association. “ Yes, I am registered and I am ready to vote », replies Samy, stung by the question.
But if within the group accosted by Tiavina, there are 12 students, all of voting age, 8 are registered on the electoral lists and only 6 intend to participate in the vote scheduled for December 11 at Madagascar. Then, Giovanni Jimalison, the president of the association, made the small group aware of the problem of lack of representativeness: “ We, those under 30, are the majority in the country: we represent 70% of the Malagasy population. But it is systematically those over 30 who vote the most! »
Awareness must continue until December 6
Tiavina continues: “ This is why we are here to encourage young people like “We” to vote. We have a real responsibility: if you want the country to develop, vote for the person you think is capable of taking on this mission! » She adds, vibrantly: “ We are not partisan: we are not telling you: “Vote for so-and-so.“We just tell you: “Make your voice heard!“. »
Awareness raising must continue until December 6, 2024. The thirty volunteers plan to travel through six districts of the capital to remind young voters that they can be agents of change.
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