Claims Of Uneven Playing Field Fuelled Crisis

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 bizarre repeat of history, opposition protesters in Madagascar have since April 21, 2018 been demanding the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina after Parliament voted three controversial electoral laws earlier in the month.

Though the Higher Constitutional Court on May 4, 2018 scrapped portions of the three laws, opposition demonstrators 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.
Rather, the court on May 25, 2018 ordered the government and opposition to reach agreement within 10 years. Failing which President Hery Rajaonarimampianina has seven days as from June 4, 2018 to to dissolve the cabinet and appoint a consensus Prime Minister.

After this period, stakeholders will have seven other days to form a consensus government according to scores in the last elections.  The new government will be tasked with organising elections between May and September 2018 – much earlier...