Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - "I have decided not to run in the upcoming elections, solely in the interest of the Malagasy people." Thus, the President of the High Authority of Transition (HAT) of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, gave yet another twist to the political and institutional crisis which has taken hold of the country since March 2009, when President Marc Ravalomanana resigned following popular pressure supported by the armed forces.
Rajoelina, in a speech to the nation on May 12, has also announced the "schedule of the transition" (the "feuille de route"). Between May 27 and 29 there will be a "national dialogue" among all political and social groups of the country, to define the new Constitution; scheduled for August 12 is a referendum to approve the new Constitution. On September 30, there will be legislative elections, followed by presidential elections November 26. Rajoelina's decision comes as a result of pressures from the military, which had issued an ultimatum asking that he submit as soon as possible the "feuille de route,” as well as of pressures from the international community, which had imposed sanctions "ad personam" against Rajoelina and its supporters.
Rajoelina's announcement has come as a surprise to his political opponents, especially former Presidents Ravalomanana, Ratsiraka, and Zafy, denouncing what they call "the unilateral move of Rajoelina.” A spokesman for Mr. Ravalomanana has stated that Rajeolina's proposal does not include an amnesty law or what would be the process of national reconciliation. The three former presidents are also irritated at the fact that Rajoelina asked them not to present themselves as presidential candidates.
The four protagonists of the crisis in Madagascar had gathered in Pretoria on April 30, but without reaching an agreement. Mediators appointed by the African Union and the SADC (Southern African Development Community) to find a solution to the Malagasy situation were given another fifteen days to submit a new proposal (see Fides 05/03/2010). With the announcement on May 12, the President of the HAT has bypassed the mediators, with the risk of irritating part of the international community, especially the English-speaking countries. South Africa said that it will not "comment on policy decisions taken individually by some leaders" and calls for the "return to constitutional order."
The French Government, through the Secretary for Cooperation and French-speaking Countries, Alain Joyandet, has expressed appreciation for the announcement of new elections, which "put Madagascar back on the path of return to constitutional order and to the international community's support. The announcement of Andry Rajoelina saying that he will not run in the presidential elections demonstrates his sense of responsibility."
The Secretary General of French-speaking Countries, Abdou Diouf, and the Senegalese President, Abdoulaye Wade, have also expressed their appreciation for the announcement of Rajoelina. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/14/2010)
