Madagascar is at a crossroads as citizens went to the polls amidst controversy. The presidential election, boycotted by most opposition candidates, faced weeks of protests and tension.
Support for President Andry Rajoelina’s party was visible at polling stations, contrasting the emptier ones in opposition strongholds. Security remained subdued in the capital.
Turnout varied widely, hovering at around 30% in ruling party areas, but as low as 15-20% in opposition zones. This stark contrast signaled public disillusionment with the electoral process.
Mama Pôta, a shop vendor in the capital, expressed her disillusionment, stating, “I am not going to vote because it is an election that doesn’t meet the standards, so what’s the point?”
The opposition’s demand for election postponement, changes in the electoral commission, and a special court for disputes preceded the vote, met with Rajoelina’s dismissal as a political tactic. He emphasized citizens’ rights to vote despite opposition efforts to prevent it.
Rajoelina faced criticism from former presidents and opposition figures, alleging his unsuitability to run, urging their supporters to abstain.
A 26-year-old day laborer, Rija Ralijaona, looked forward to the elected president addressing unemployment, saying, “I expect the next president to create jobs for young people.”
Calls to postpone elections echoed through Madagascar’s major Christian churches, citing an unsuitable political environment and lacking standards.
Critics cited Rajoelina’s acquisition of French nationality in 2014 as disqualifying him, while he argued that the constitution doesn’t mandate exclusive Malagasy nationality for the head of state.
The run-up to the election saw frequent protests, with police using tear gas, drawing criticism from the UN for “unnecessary and disproportionate force” against peaceful protesters.
Despite the controversy, provisional results are set for release on November 24, shaping Madagascar’s future.
