Madagascar: The candidates for deputies are crowding

On the side of supporters of the regime as well as the opposition, the list of candidates for the legislative elections has not yet been unveiled. However, aspiring candidates are brainstorming in anticipation.

Nothing specific. A few weeks before the opening of the candidate filing period for the seats in the National Assembly, and despite the waiting for the official lists of candidates within the various political headquarters, many aspiring candidates are showing up. On the side of regime supporters, although the national secretary of the TGV Hery Rasoamaromaka announced last Tuesday that currently, no one can claim to be a candidate on behalf of the orange, some names are often mentioned to become deputies or run for their own succession. On the other hand, the opposition is no more advanced, except for the “Firaisankina” platform, which has already presented Rina Randriamasinoro, the general secretary of TIM, as a candidate for the Tana IV district.

Speculation is rife within this platform with future coalition candidates, despite the reluctance of some supporters about the issue of parachute candidates. Currently, only Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko admits to wanting to run for a second term in Tsimbazaza on behalf of the platform. Other names also stand out for “Firaisankina” like, among others, Alban Rakotoarisoa who is rumored by some to be the platform’s candidate in Manjakandriana. Nevertheless, the main interested party does not want to rush things since officially, nothing has yet been decided regarding this district.

Suspense

Alain Désiré Rasambany, the general secretary of HVM, is also among the potential candidates of the platform “Firaisankina” as he was seen last week among the YLTP candidates who demand transparency in the electoral process at Pavé Antaninarenina. Yesterday, publications on social networks show several candidates for this platform including the journalist Gascar Fenosoa. The publication was immediately refuted by the journalist himself and by the deputies Fidèle Razara Pierre and Hanitra Razafimanantsoa in their television program. According to the deputy of Ambatondrazaka, it is time for the platform to give the names of the deputies, even if it is only for a few constituencies, in order to stop the speculations and at the same time appease the supporters who are starting to hesitate due to the wait.

Three ministers and former state officials are among the names that are often mentioned for the position of deputy on the side of regime supporters, like Lalatiana Rakotondrazafy a possible candidate in Faratsiho. Besides, several other personalities have already expressed their willingness to run for a seat in the National Assembly under the orange banner, such as the former Minister of the Interior and current special advisor to the President of the Republic, Tianarivelo Razafimahefa, a candidate in Ambatolampy where he is very active, or the former Minister of Energy, Solo Andriamanampisoa.

The problem facing the opposition is also the same as for regime supporters. Potential candidates for the same district are competing to the point of leading to confrontations for some. If nothing is decided, the case of several current deputies leads to questioning.

The case of Christine Razanamahasoa, president of the Lower House, is currently in suspense. However, several elected officials from Ambatofinandrahana have already requested her re-election. So far, she has not given any details about her intention. Others, including the deputy of the Tana IV district, Paul Bert Rahasimanana, also keep the suspense about the constituency where he will run.

Ravo Andriantsalama