2023 presidential election in Madagascar: Andry Rajoelina announces his candidacy

2023 presidential election in Madagascar: Andry Rajoelina announces his candidacy

The outgoing president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election which will be held on November 9, 2023. This announcement comes in a tense political context, marked by debates on his eligibility due to his dual French nationality. -Malagasy.

Last Wednesday, Andry Rajoelina chose social networks to announce his decision to run in the 2023 Malagasy presidential election. On his official account, he expressed his gratitude to the Malagasy people for the trust they placed in him in the during his current mandate, which began in January 2018. “It is up to the people to choose their President tomorrow. I am humbled by the task you have entrusted to me. I feel your love, and you know how mutual it is. On behalf of all of you who support me, I am ready, I am standing again, to continue to serve you,” he said.

President Rajoelina also thanked his family, especially his wife Mialy, and his children for their constant support. He underlined the responsibility that falls to a leader towards all Malagasy children, thus symbolizing his determination to serve his country.

However, this announcement is not without controversy. In June this year, the revelation of Andry Rajoelina’s dual Franco-Malagasy nationality sparked heated debates about his eligibility as President. The Malagasy constitution requires presidential candidates to be of exclusive Malagasy nationality. This issue could become a focal point of the upcoming election campaign.

The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for November 9, 2023, followed by a possible second round on December 20 if no candidate obtains an absolute majority. To date, ten other candidates have already submitted their files to the High Constitutional Court (HCC), demonstrating the diversity of the political forces in the running. They include former presidents and representatives from various political parties, each hoping to be the Malagasy people’s choice to lead the country.