Madagascar’s Political Landscape: Rajoelina’s Quest for Development Amidst Protests and Controversy

By Emem Ekanem

Navigating through a web of protests, legal issues, and the echoes of a stormy past, President Andry Rajoelina finds himself at the centre of a volatile re-election bid in the vibrant political arena of Madagascar. Popularly known as “the disc jockey” for his youthful reputation of organizing parties, Rajoelina’s political journey has been anything but conventional, marked by resilience, controversy, and a firm grasp on power since his ascent in 2009 through a coup.

As the November 16 elections loom, Rajoelina stands resolute in his commitment to seek another term, championing a development agenda for Madagascar. His recent announcement outlined comprehensive measures taken by his government to bridge the development gap, emphasizing infrastructure projects tailored to the essential needs of the population. In his own words, he asserts, “I’ve done everything to catch up with Madagascar’s development lag, we have built developed infrastructure close to the population that the population needs.”

However, the path to re-election is fraught with substantial challenges, as Rajoelina acknowledges the vast hurdles ahead. From job creation to integrating young people and addressing social safety nets, the laundry list of issues reflects the urgent problems facing Madagascar’s populace.

Controversy has shadowed Rajoelina’s re-election bid, adding a layer of complexity to an already intricate political landscape. Reports in June suggested that he obtained French citizenship in 2014, sparking demands for his disqualification due to the forfeiture of Malagasy nationality, a consequence of acquiring citizenship from another country. While critics decried the move, Rajoelina defended it, citing the pursuit of international education for his children.

In a legal tussle that unfolded, Madagascar’s Supreme Court dismissed appeals seeking to disqualify Rajoelina’s candidacy, bringing a definitive end to the controversy. The opposition, however, remained vocal, characterizing the situation as an “institutional coup” in support of the incumbent president.

The disapproval manifested in nearly daily protests in Antananarivo, with 11 out of 12 of Rajoelina’s election rivals expressing strong dissent. Despite the opposition’s fervour, Rajoelina urged his supporters to remain undeterred and cast their votes, rejecting calls for a postponement. During a campaign rally, he declared, “The Malagasy people do not want any more destabilization… we really don’t want another crisis.”

Undaunted by the unrest, Rajoelina redirected his electoral campaign away from the capital, showcasing his administration’s achievements and reiterating his commitment to addressing Madagascar’s developmental challenges. His dedication was emphasized as he donned the distinctive orange colours of his political party, Young Malagasy People Ready.

In the lead-up to the election, the leader of the constitutional court, Florent Rakotoarisoa, called for tranquillity, encouraging individuals to settle disagreements through the democratic process. The court head clarified that there had been no request for a delay in the presidential vote, reaffirming that the first round would proceed as scheduled.

Amidst this political drama, the United Nations human rights office raised concerns about the use of excessive force by Malagasy security forces against peaceful protesters, urging the government to uphold freedom of expression and assembly. In response, the government asserted its responsibility to maintain order in the lead-up to the elections.

With approximately 11 million eligible voters out of a total population of around 30 million, Madagascar’s elections hold significance beyond its borders, especially given the nation’s abundant reserves of nickel, cobalt, and gold. As election day approached, Antananarivo implemented a curfew, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the political climate.

Regardless of the election outcome, Andry Rajoelina’s imprint on Madagascar’s political landscape is indelible. Whether securing re-election or not, his impact remains a force shaping the nation’s political future. As the people of Madagascar cast their votes, the resilience and determination of “the disc jockey” continue to define a pivotal chapter in the country’s history.