Madagascar: Presidential election to be held November 7

Event

Madagascar's Prime Minister Christian Ntsay announced on Friday, June 29, that the first round of the presidential election will be held on November 7, and the second on December 19 if necessary. The elections are intended to resolve an ongoing political crisis in the country between President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and the opposition parties. However, the dates do not comply with a recent High Constitutional Court decision, which ruled that elections were to be held in October at the latest. Associated protests by opposition supporters are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Madagascar has been experiencing a political crisis since the parliament passed three controversial electoral bills in early April. During an opposition march held on April 21, police fired teargas at demonstrators, fatally wounding two people. On May 3, the High Constitutional Court ruled the three laws unconstitutional; however, protests continued despite the ruling. On May 31, Defense Minister Beni Xavier Rasolofonirina threatened to intervene militarily if the government and opposition failed to find a solution to the crisis. Prime Minister Ntsay was appointed "consensus" prime minister on June 4 to head a national unity government in a bid to end the ongoing political crisis.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar, particularly in Antananarivo, are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.