Madagascar: Political rallies ongoing in Antananarivo ahead of Nov. 7 election /update 2

Event

Several political parties will reportedly host rallies at the Coliseum d'Antsonjombe and Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo on November 3-4 ahead of the November 7 presidential election. The Miaraka amin'i Prezida Andry Rajoelina (MAPAR) party, which supports former president Andry Rajoelina, is set to gather at the Coliseum on Saturday, November 3. The Hery Vaovao hoan'i Madagasikara (HVM) party, led by incumbent president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, will also reportedly host a rally at the Coliseum on Sunday, November 4.

Additional political rallies have taken place at the Madamisna Stadium where as many as a dozen candidates have staged campaign rallies throughout the previous week. The political rallies will likely result in associated transportation disruptions throughout the country, notably in the capital Antananarivo. Social disruptions and violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

The campaign period will end on November 5, ahead of the first round of the presidential election on November 7. Incumbent President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and 35 other candidates are running, including three of Rajaonarimampianina's predecessors, Didier Ratisraka, Marc Ravalomanana, and Andry Rajoelina. A second round of voting will be held on December 19, if necessary.

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.