Democracy and kleptocracy vie for power in epic Madagascan election
The presidential elections will bring to an end — or will restart — a decade of turmoil in Madagascar caused by the coup
Hidden from the world’s view or interest, a titanic battle for democracy and human rights over greed and self-interest is being waged in little-noticed Madagascar. Still suffering the after-effects of a violent 2009 coup d'etat that plunged the country into crisis, Madagascar heads back to the presidential polls in just three weeks, with 36 hopefuls vying for election. They are headed by a raft of former presidents led by Marc Ravalomanana, president from 2002 until he was deposed by the 2009 coup. He will square off against coup leader Andry Rajoelina, whose candidacy has been accepted despite his being disqualified by international protocols against unconstitutional changes of government, including those of the AU. Also in the running is immediate past president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, a former finance minister in Rajoelina's transitional authority who became president in 2013 when both Ravalomanana and Rajoelina were prevented from running by Southern Africa Development Communi...
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