Madagascar: Unexpected alliances in the legislative elections

Some candidates or their representatives have officially filed their candidacies for the legislative elections. Some candidacies are sparking debate.

The atmosphere is heating up. Candidates for the constituencies of Ampanihy, Toliara I and II have officially stepped forward. Keron Idealson, incumbent MP, has started the ball rolling for Ampanihy and is running under the banner of the “Firaisankina” platform. Then, the current Minister of Higher Education, Andriamanantena Razafiharison, was greeted by a large crowd in Ampanihy last Saturday.

He then filed his candidacy, along with that of Théodore Léonard Randriamanga, the current mayor of Fotadrevo, who will form his second list. They represent the ruling party. Marco Tsaradia, the current MP of Ampanihy, kept the suspense until the end, but yesterday, he announced that he would run again in the upcoming legislative elections. For Toliara II, Alain Désiré Rasambany from the “Firaisankina” platform and Rojers Osman, current MP, have submitted their documents. The latter is proposing his second list with Gustave Manohisoa, and they are sporting the colors of the Orange party.

For Toliara I, Colonel Jules Rabe also came with a large crowd at the Ovec office last Friday. He is running as an independent because he does not want to be “subjected to the party’s rules” to represent the voice of the people of Toliara. Tondraha Razaha is presented as his second choice.

Philosophy

Rinho Soafilira, known as a business operator and president of a youth association, also officially expressed his intention to represent Toliara I last Saturday. He has received a fairly good rating among voters according to some internet polls. Considered a “new and young man,” some voters are interested in this independent candidate. On the other hand, the trio presented by the coalition to President Andry Rajoelina, composed of Roberto Tinoka Raharoarilala, Jean de Dieu Maharante, and Jean Rabejaha, the current MP of Toliara I, is facing some criticism. These three men are already known in Toliara on the political scene and for “their achievements” in Toliara I.

A fourth candidacy, that of Roméo Ratsimbazafy, accompanies the trio. They were represented by representatives during the filing of their documents. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the current MP of Toliara I and former presidential candidate, has officially announced his candidacy for another term. Ferdinand Maharante, president of the salt producers’ association of Toliara, presented himself yesterday. Another newcomer also appeared yesterday with Ambroise, known as a politician from the Arema party. Finally, a promising young politician, a lawyer, and director of a company in Morocco, Harenantsoa Henri Repifiny, closed the candidacy filing yesterday. Being pro-Ratsiraka, he also promises a new era for Toliara.

MiotiSoa Mare