Madagascar: ANDREFANA – Election campaigns ahead of time

Events with an election-like atmosphere are observed in some districts of the Atsimo-Andrefana region. A month before the legislative elections, disguised campaigns are emerging.

Pre-campaigns or election campaigns? The current atmosphere strongly resembles disguised election campaigns. Among the seven candidates in Toliara I, two or three are taking center stage in the media and social networks a month before the campaigns authorized by law. A candidate’s blessing ceremony in his neighborhood by the “Raiamandreny” circulated on social networks during Wednesday and Thursday. Some local press elements also reported the candidate’s visit to the City of the Sun, which also led members of his party to call on a local authority for condolences.

Another candidate, targeting the youth of Toliara, is offering sports equipment and solar streetlights for the fokontany. Another candidate, more discreet in his public appearances and donations, is launching surveys on social networks. “What are your expectations regarding a deputy? What do you think are the needs of the City of the Sun to increase its development?” are among the questions asked.

For Toliara II, since the candidate submissions, candidates have distinguished themselves with folkloric demonstrations in the streets. Requests for blessings from the “Raiamandreny” are also getting media attention. “These candidates are in pre-campaign mode and there is no law prohibiting their actions, especially since they have obtained their official number for votes,” clarifies Yolande Harisoa, from the branch of the Ceni (National Independent Electoral Commission) for Toliara II. “During the pre-campaign, however, they cannot call on the population to vote for them. Otherwise, they risk disqualification,” she adds.

Political War

In Ampanihy, the atmosphere is quite different. It is marked by debate. The possible candidacy of the resigning Minister of Higher Education, Andriamanantena Razafiharison, for the Ampanihy constituency, is sparking controversy. “He is not from here but rather from the Betioky district. Many are wondering about the reasons for his interest in Ampanihy,” says a local teacher in Ampanihy center. The candidate is indeed from another constituency but grew up in the Ambalatsiefa fokontany in Ampanihy, and his mother’s origins are rooted in Ampanihy. However, he is running with Théodore Randriamanga, the mayor of Fotadrevo, in the Ampanihy district, in second position on the list.

He is known as a fervent supporter of the TIM, but he is also a billionaire, a supporter of several leaders in the country. “The combination of the minister with the mayor has sparked political debates. If the minister steps aside, the mayor will become a deputy and remain a formidable opponent for Keron Idéalson, the current deputy of Ampanihy,” explains Ravonison, a political observer in Toliara. The two personalities have been in “conflict” for years. In Ankazoabo, the current deputy, Michou Pépin, running for his own re-election, seems comfortable against his opponent proposed by the Firaisankina platform, Mara Niarisy. Without making much media noise, he lets the population of his constituency speak for him, citing his achievements in Ankazoabo.

MiotiSoa Mare