Madagascar: LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS – Candidates stand out

As the official opening date for candidate submissions for legislative elections in Madagascar approaches on May 29, some candidates are standing out.

While electoral campaigns are starting to be heard, candidates for the legislative elections are engaging in extensive operations to charm and appeal to voters.

In Antsiranana, as elsewhere, political maneuvers have multiplied in recent weeks. Some are taking the lead compared to others. Others are investing body and soul in their pre-campaign, without waiting for the endorsement of their party. This is reflected through their public appearances, especially on their social media accounts… They are making themselves noticed in social actions to be in direct contact with the target population by distributing materials and essential products…

It all started with a nod from the aspirants to the thousands of women who paraded during the celebration of International Women’s Day, during which they invested in the purchase of their uniforms and meals. And during this month of Ramadan, political parties are competing in the distribution of “iftar” food to needy families…

In short, they already see themselves as the standard-bearers of their respective party or platform, while reality seems to be quite different. With this attitude, they risk dispersing voters or causing disagreements and disputes, even division, within their respective party.

Thus, while the two current deputies elected in Antsiranana, under the Orange color, no longer hide their intentions to run for re-election in this election, other potential candidates have also expressed themselves on this subject. Among them, we can mention the president of the Diego Miray association (Upar) and the former prefect of Antsiranana, as an independent candidate.

Divergent choices

In Nosy Be, potential candidates are emerging on the horizon, like the former HVM deputy, François Arosy, alias François La Banane. This time, he has abandoned his old party and is leaning towards the presidential platform. According to his entourage, today he will announce his candidacy at the Hôtel de la mer. But there are already other candidates, such as Daodo Ntsay (Upar), the current head of the Tax Service, as well as the protege of local TGV militants, Franco Kasimo. His name also circulates in the city of Nosy Be.

In Ambanja, the deputy Sirtis Darkaoui (independent) is unmovable. For now, he is the only potential candidate. It would be difficult for other candidates to defeat him, because during his mandate, he has accomplished many social works.

In the district of Antsiranana-II, the deputy Dr. Raymond, former deputy minister of Livestock, and his second, Herman Dahy, of the Tsarajoro association, have not failed to display their ambition to participate in the elections. And in Ambilobe, this time, the district will have two deputies to elect as in the time of President Albert Zafy. It is certain that the deputy Bruno Assimo of TGV will return and try to retain his constituency.

For the moment, the candidates of the “Firaisankina” and “Kôlektifa” coalitions have not yet manifested themselves. It would seem that the choice is difficult, particularly with the coalition of parties supporting President Andry Rajoelina. Disagreements have been noted in certain constituencies.

Raheriniaina