Madagascar: Group of candidates for November presidential elections demand rejection of incumbent leader’s bid

As many as eight candidates including two former Presidents have demanded Madagascar’s top court to reject the candidacy of incumbent leader Andry Rajoelina for November elections in connection to his dual citizenship.

Marc Ravalomanana, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, Andry Raobelina, Auguste Paraina, Hajo Andrianainarivelo, Tahina Razafinjoelina, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and Masy Goulamaly, Madagascar Tribune reports, signed Wednesday August 30 a declaration for Rajoelina’s bid to be nullified, arguing that it is against the Constitution.

In June 2023, Rajoelina who is seeking another term in office, faced a storm of criticism after it emerged that he also owns French citizenship.

His critics and the opposition questioned his integrity in claiming Madagascar’s ownership of Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean, still controlled by former colonial power, France.

In July, he defended himself arguing that he acquired the French nationality in the interest of his children and doubled down that he will always defend the African country.

“Dual nationality should not be a sin,” Rajoelina had said in an interview to state-run television.

“I was no longer in power at the time, and I accepted this step in the interests of my children, who were to pursue university studies in France. What parent wouldn’t do anything for their children?” he had added.

“The leaders of the nationalist movement during the struggle against colonization, such as Jean Ralaimongo, Raseta and Ravoahangy, all had French nationality, but this did not prevent them from fighting and dying for the nation,” Rajoelina had stressed.

The 49-year old leader brushed aside expectations to see him abandoning the French nationality as he seeks another term in office.

“8 centimeters of paper in my pocket in no way diminishes my love for my country. I’m a patriot and I’m ready to die for Madagascar”, he had concluded.

The Indian Ocean African country will hold presidential elections on November 09.