Madagascar: Heightened tensions ahead of November elections

Event

Tensions are rising in Madagascar ahead of the general elections scheduled for November 24 and December 24 to elect the president and the National Assembly. Over recent weeks, anti-government demonstrations have been held regularly across the country, sometimes resulting in violence. On April 21, two people were shot and killed at an opposition rally in Antananarivo and and 16 others have been wounded during the various protests that often end in clashes between security forces and protestors.  Madagascar’s electoral commission has proposed bringing forward the date of the general elections in an effort to defuse the political crisis.

Context

On April 3, pro-government members of parliament (MPs) passed three controversial electoral bills in a vote boycotted by opposition MPs. The laws were approved on April 12 by the senate, following which opposition supporters protested in front of the High Constitutional Court, calling for the reforms to be annulled. Protests were launched by opposition activists in mid-April to denounce the controversial electoral laws and demand the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

In early May, the High Constitutional Court ruled that the election laws were unconstitutional and the opposition called for the resignation of the government.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate in the coming weeks and months, avoid talking about sensitive political topics in public, and avoid large public gatherings due to the risk of violence. Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.