Madagascar

In Madagascar, an alliance of 11 opposition figures in the presidential race gathered for a protest in Antananarivo, while supporters of incumbent president Andry Rajoelina rallied to express their backing. One supporter stated, “I stand by Rajoelina because of the substantial infrastructure development and his focus on youth and the marginalized.” The Malagasy opposition, protesting for over two weeks against an alleged institutional coup before the upcoming presidential election, pledged to sustain street pressure. Despite the High Constitutional Court dismissing appeals challenging Rajoelina’s candidacy due to citizenship issues, protesters demanded fair and transparent elections with a reformed electoral commission and governmental changes. The High Constitutional Court recently postponed the first round of elections from November 9 to November 16 following an injury to a candidate, with the second round scheduled for December 20.