Madagascar Shifts
Elections To May
Madagascar
has pushed forward widely criticised parliamentary elections
from March to May.
President Andry Rajoelina on Wednesday announced the
postponement, pledging the vote on the Indian Ocean Island would
be democratic and transparent.
Rajoelina said: ’’The transition is ready to take all steps
to ensure the elections are transparent and democratic.’’
The country risks sanctions and the possible cancellation of
critical foreign aid if opposition leaders, regional neighbours
and donor nations are not convinced about sincerity to restore
democracy.
The parliamentary elections were originally slated for March,
but Rajoelina came under increasing pressure from the opposition
and international donors concerned the polls would lack
credibility and legitimacy.
Rajoelina said if there were a consensus to hold elections in
May, he was ready to examine solutions with the opposition. He
also said that if the international community came up with
acceptable ways to end the crisis, he would consider them.
Rajoelina, 35, seized power in a coup last year to become
Africa's youngest leader but, numerous attempts by international
mediators to strike an agreement with the aggrieved opposition
to end the year-long political crisis have failed.
Reuters/Yinka
