Allegations Of Absence Of Level Playing Field

The latest unrest in Madagascar was sparked off by the vote of new laws that reportedly barred two ex-leaders from standing in this year’s presidential vote.

In a rather bizarre repeat of history, protesters in Madagascar have for two weeks now been insisting on the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina after three controversial electoral laws were passed by Parliament last month.

Though the Higher Constitutional Court on May 4, 2018, scrapped portions of the three laws, opposition demonstrators have continued to insist that Rajaonarimampianina must step down.
Several articles - including the revision of electoral rolls, the length of election campaigns and requirements to stand for President - were ruled by the court to be "against the constitution.

" Since April 21, 2018, hundreds of opposition supporters have been occupying May 13 Square in the capital Antananarivo. They initially called for the withdrawal of the amendments, before insisting on the resignation of the President ahead of general elections in seven months. The opposition alleged that the new laws will prevent two former presidents - Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina - from running in the presidential vote scheduled for the end of 2018.

The opposition also challenged provisions in the new laws on campaign financing and access to media. There were strident calls for the resignation of all state officials, including the Prime Minister and the Speakers of the two Houses of Parliament. Parliamentarians opposed to the modifications also filed a petition with the Higher Constitutional Court, seeking the impeachment of the President. The court later threw out the request.
Two protesters were shot dead and 16 others wounded on April 21, 2018 in Antananarivo by security forces.

The President was accused of responsibility for the deaths. Though government apologised for the unfortunate incident, the opposition was determined to continue protesting. After first describing the protests as “a coup d’état,” President Rajaonarimampianina toned down, appealing for negotiations. On his part, Defence Minister Gen. Béni Xavier Rasolofonirina, called on politicians to “find a solution leading to the holding of elections according to schedule.”

Hery Rajaonari...

Reactions

Commentaires

    List is empty.

Laissez un Commentaire

De la meme catégorie