In Madagascar, Monday September 11, the 13 candidates for the presidential election or their representatives, carried out the drawing of their official number which will appear on the single ballot, on the billboards or even on the t-shirts at the effigy of the candidates distributed during the campaign. A draw carried out at the Céni in front of bailiffs, but the result of which was almost eclipsed by the appearance of a new dispute: that concerning the interim President of the Republic, ensured not by the President of the Senate like the stipulates the Constitution, but by the Prime Minister and a collegial government.
3 mins
with our correspondent in Antananarivo, Sarah Tétaud
In a packed room, when the draw has just been made, the tone begins to rise. Several candidates are contesting the decision ratified two days earlier by the High Constitutional Court (HCC) to appoint the government and its Prime Minister as interim head of state, following the resignation of the President of the Senate.
Read alsoPresidential election in Madagascar: thirteen candidates in the running for the vote on November 9
“ The Constitution cannot force a person who wants to resign or who renounces a duty described by the Constitution to submit to it. » supports the president of the HCC, asked to answer the questions.
Ex-president Marc Ravalomanana and presidential candidate, exasperated, leaves the room. “ A president of the Senate is an elected official, even if he is only elected by the senators. You cannot name someone else just like that. It’s an institutional coup. »
“ We are in an overly easy interpretation of the constitutional texts in the sense that normally it should be the President of the Senate who acts in the interim. » explains Eléonore Johasy, national coordinator of Tsara Tahafina, the party which presents the candidate Auguste Paraina. “ The President of the Senate has already spoken twice a few days ago, to say that he was ready to take his responsibilities. But he suddenly declares himself incapable of assuming this responsibility of which he was informed a few hours of the resignation of the President of the Republic? »
The MP and candidate Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko is certain that there was “ a pressure “. “ He was forced to say that he did not feel capable of taking on this new role “, he assures. “ Of course this is an advantage for candidate Rajoelina! » exclaims the now number 13. “ I am worried about democracy here in Madagascar “.
“ Will this government really guarantee the neutrality of the administration throughout the electoral process? Will it guarantee equal opportunities between all candidates? We ask ourselves the question. We will not stop calling on the government and the international community to address these concerns.. »Alain Rasambany, the candidate’s representative and former president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, intervenes.
Claims that candidate no. 3, Andry Rajoelina, refutes. “ The Senate President called me before making this decision. It is a voluntary decision and it is a wise decision. He will therefore continue to be president of the Senate. He is not aware of the files handled previously. And it is for this reason that it is completely logical and normal for the Prime Minister to lead the country with the entire government. »
Contacted on multiple occasions, the President of the Senate did not respond to our requests.