Madagascar’s security forces used tear gas against opposition candidates who were leading a protest in Antananarivo on Monday, amid the backdrop of escalating political tensions in the lead-up to next month’s presidential elections.
Out of the 13 presidential candidates, 11 had urged their supporters to gather and march to central May 13 square in protest of what they’ve labeled as an “institutional coup” aimed at benefiting the current incumbent, Andry Rajoelina.
However, law enforcement officers took action to disperse the assembly of a few hundred individuals before it could reach its intended destination.
Former president and prominent opposition figure Marc Ravalomanana, who participated in the protest, was escorted to safety by his security team.
The gathering did not receive official approval from authorities, and the city center was heavily patrolled by hundreds of security forces during the morning.
On November 9, citizens in Madagascar, a nation rich in natural resources but grappling with extreme poverty, will cast their votes to choose a new president.
In accordance with the constitution, Rajoelina, aged 49, stepped down last month to seek re-election.
The President of the Senate was originally slated to assume the role but declined due to “personal reasons.” Consequently, the responsibility was entrusted to a “collegial government” led by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, who is an ally of Rajoelina.
The decision was endorsed by the nation’s highest court, provoking outrage from the opposition.
The court has additionally rejected appeals seeking to invalidate Rajoelina’s candidacy on the grounds of his dual French nationality.
On Sunday, Rajoelina accused his adversaries of deliberately instigating a political crisis, asserting that they were unprepared for the upcoming election.
“There is no crisis in Madagascar,” he said in a televised address.