In Madagascar, candidates for the legislative elections had until Monday April 8 to submit their candidacy files for the polls on May 29. The IRD/Mapar presidential party hopes to repeat its success of 2019 and win a majority of the 163 vacancies, to keep a free rein for the second term of President Andry Rajoelina. At least seven ministers from his government are in the race.
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From our correspondent in Antananarivo
At least seven ministers have decided to run in the race : we will note the candidacy of the Minister of the Interior Justin Tokely in Sambava, that of the government spokesperson and Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Lalatiana Rakotondrazafy in Faratsiho, as well as that of the Minister of National Education Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala in Fianarantsoa.
The Ministers of Population and Social Protection, Higher Education and Youth and Sports are also seeking a seat in the National Assembly. This respectively in the constituencies of Ambositra, Ampanihy West and Morondava.
For Augustin Andriamananoro, Minister of Communication and Cultureparachuted to present himself in the 1st arrondissement of the capital, the objective is clear: “ It is very important to maintain the presidential majority in the chamber. So, some of us decided to go to the polls to obtain popular anointing. And you know very well that to maintain political stability, in all democratic countries, the voice of the majority within the assembly is very decisive. he warns.
Former members of the government have also come to strengthen the ranks and are running under the IRD banner to try to win as many seats as possible.
Opposition divided but present
On the ground, the battle promises to be tough because if the opposition is divided : influential figures at the polls intend to use their political notoriety to prevent an orange wave, the color of the presidential party.
A large part of them have also joined the Firaisankina platform (“ solidarity », in Malagasy). This collective brings together the candidates of former Presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, but also Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, Andry Rajoelina’s challenger during the 2023 presidential election.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko – who is running again in his stronghold Tuléar 1 – is aiming for the status of opposition leader: “ We created this platform with the aim of obtaining a majority in the National Assembly. Our country, right now, is a mess. But those who speak out are put in prison. This is why we must get elected as deputies, to be able to carry the voice of the population, tell the truth about the chaos that reigns in our administration and denounce decisions that violate the law. »
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) should publish the list of selected candidates no later than April 18. Members of the government will then be required to resign from their position the same day in order to campaign.