Advertisement

Madagascar president to seek re-election in November vote

Friday August 17 2018
hery

Madagascar’s President Hery Rajaonarimampianina announcing his re-election bid in Antananarivo on August 17, 2018. PHOTO | RIVONALA RAZAFISON | NMG

By RIVONALA RAZAFISON

Madagascar’s President Hery Rajaonarimampianina will seek re-election in the November poll.

He made the announcement on Friday at a hotel in the capital Antananarivo flanked by his family members.

Ruling party HVM leaders and supporters were also present.

The President also filed his bid with the High Constitutional Court thereafter.

He said he will build on his “Fisandratana 2030" (meaning emergence and renaissance) during his second term if re-elected.

He launched the plan in January this year as a strategy for growth and transformation of the Indian Ocean island nation by 2030.

Advertisement

Mr Rajaonarimampianina must resign by September 7 in accordance to the electoral rules that require him to quit office two months before the poll.

He faces former president Andry Rajoelina and two ex-prime ministers Jean Ravelonarivo and Jean-Omer Beriziky.

Others in the presidential race include lawyer Herizo Rakotozafy, the founder of the Apocalypse Church pastor Christian Dieu Donné, former Education minister Paul Rabary and the magistrates’ union head Ernaivo Fanirisoa.

Former president Marc Ravalomanana is also expected in the race though he is yet to submit his bid.

The two former heads of state were barred from contesting in the 2013 election, which Mr Rajaonarimampianina won, in an attempt to end a long-standing political crisis.

Mr Rajoelina had ousted Mr Ravalomanana in a 2009 coup leading to the crisis.

The presidential race promises to be heated should the three leaders run.

According to the high court, some 14 presidential candidates have submitted their applications ahead of the deadline on August 21.

The election is scheduled for November 7 with a run-off slated for December should none of the candidates attain 50 per cent of the vote.

Advertisement