Madagascar has been embroiled in a political crisis since 2009, when the Mayor of the Capital, Andry Rajoelina overthrew the then President, Marc Ravalomanana. The coup that year pushed the big island, renowned for its beauty and Lemurs, into chaos. Today, nine out of ten Malagassy residents live on less than $2 a day.
More than 1.5 million children are chronically malnourished, which leads to irreversible damage. Hundreds of health Centres have closed. Regional negotiators have, for the past years, tried to find a solution that would bring in elections and a peaceful transition. Madagascar cannot afford to run its own election without international support and that support was withheld until Rajoelina complies with the decision of the Special Electoral Court. While sanctions were looming Andry Rajoelina, in a bold move, announced recently that he accepts the decision of the Court. He went on to say that he is willing to sacrifice his personal ambition for the love of the nation. A new date has been set for the Presidential elections.
In this edition of “Tam Tam Express we ask: What finally made Andry Rajoelina comply with the decision of the Special Electoral Court? Drawing from the past, will the elections take place as scheduled? What is the civil society saying?
Tune in for more!
