France-Africa
Madagascar: Six months of uncertainty
The December 2001 presidential election in Madagascar pitting incumbent president Didier Ratsiraka against opposition candidate Marc Ravalomanana triggered six months of troubles in the island republic.
When voters cast their ballots on December 16, 2001, to chose between the outgoing president and his challenger Marc Ravalomanana, Mayor of the capital and boss of the country’s leading agro-food business company, the population had no idea of what was to follow. In the evening, Marc Ravalomanana claimed victory with 52.15 percent of the votes.
The constitutional court on January 25 ruled that he was in the lead, but gave him 46.21 percent of the valid votes against 40.89 percent for Didier Ratsiraka. But that was short of the 50 percent he needed to be elected in the first round of polling. The challenger rejected a run-off poll and triggered a general strike on January 28. After a period of daily demonstrations, he proclaimed himself president on February 22; Didier Ratsiraka, the incumbent chief of state, proclaimed a state of emergency.
Some governors proclaim provincial "independence"
The crisis hardened, with roadblocks on inland roads and bridges being destroyed, blocking trading and paralysing the economy. Both sides counted their supporters and sought to gain control of the island’s six provinces. There was a flurry of attempted international mediation.
In April 2002, after a re-count of the ballots, the constitutional court handed down a new ruling, declaring Marc Ravalomanana as the winner with a score of 51.45 percent in the initial round, against 35.9 percent for his rival. On the ground, some governors loyal to the outgoing president proclaimed the "independence" of their provinces. After many clashes, Didier Ratsiraka, until then holed up in his stronghold of Toamasina on the east coast, decided on July 5 to leave the island.
Early legislative elections were organised on December 15, 2002, with the new president’s party securing 102 out of the 160 seats in the National Assembly. Premier Jacques Sylla retained his office. In France, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "these elections, organised very rapidly, mark a step forwards in Madagascar’s democratisation process."
The constitutional court on January 25 ruled that he was in the lead, but gave him 46.21 percent of the valid votes against 40.89 percent for Didier Ratsiraka. But that was short of the 50 percent he needed to be elected in the first round of polling. The challenger rejected a run-off poll and triggered a general strike on January 28. After a period of daily demonstrations, he proclaimed himself president on February 22; Didier Ratsiraka, the incumbent chief of state, proclaimed a state of emergency.
Some governors proclaim provincial "independence"
The crisis hardened, with roadblocks on inland roads and bridges being destroyed, blocking trading and paralysing the economy. Both sides counted their supporters and sought to gain control of the island’s six provinces. There was a flurry of attempted international mediation.
In April 2002, after a re-count of the ballots, the constitutional court handed down a new ruling, declaring Marc Ravalomanana as the winner with a score of 51.45 percent in the initial round, against 35.9 percent for his rival. On the ground, some governors loyal to the outgoing president proclaimed the "independence" of their provinces. After many clashes, Didier Ratsiraka, until then holed up in his stronghold of Toamasina on the east coast, decided on July 5 to leave the island.
Early legislative elections were organised on December 15, 2002, with the new president’s party securing 102 out of the 160 seats in the National Assembly. Premier Jacques Sylla retained his office. In France, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "these elections, organised very rapidly, mark a step forwards in Madagascar’s democratisation process."
par Ariane Poissonnier
Article publié le 17/02/2003
