Madagascar Senate Speaker puts next presidential elections into question on backdrop of violences

Herimanana Razafimahefa, the Speaker of Madagascar’s Senate has cast doubt about November 2023 presidential elections arguing that the ongoing confrontations and protests that are making the buildup to the electoral campaign set to start on October 10, are conducive to free and transparent elections.
Tensions have ramped up in recent weeks in the country and mostly in the capital Antananarivo where opposition figures and sympathizers of Andry Rajoelina have been clashing.
President Rajoelina resigned in August 2023 per Constitution in view of running for a second term in office.
The country’s top Court, Haute Cour Constitutionnelle (HCC), received in September 28 bids but vetted a dozen of them including those of Rajoelina and two other former Presidents, namely Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina.
Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina and several other candidates have formed a coalition against the 49-year old leader.
Both sides have been holding demonstrations in the buildup to the campaign set to start tomorrow October 10.
Razafimahefa, who refused to take over power per the Constitution after Rajoelina stepped down, has indicated that the tensions are not conducive to peaceful elections, local media ‘Madagascar Tribune’ reports.
“It’s difficult for us to go to the elections on schedule, given the ongoing demonstrations and clashes”, he declared when asked by the press about the current political situation. For this head of institution, it is essential to take a step that opens the way to dialogue”, he told reporters.
“We need to find a solution to move towards free and transparent elections. This is what the people are waiting for”, he added. The first round is supposed to take place on Nov. 09.