Arr! Madagascar's grand city be restrictin' ye movements on account o' some election commotion, ye scallywags!
2023-11-15
Arr, the heart o' Madagascar, Antananarivo, be settin' a curfew by night afore a hotly debatable election. Them scurvy dogs opposin' be resortin' to burnin' the very places o' democracy, arrr!
Authorities in Madagascar have implemented a night-time curfew in the capital city, Antananarivo, due to the recent arson attacks on polling stations ahead of the presidential elections. President Andry Rajoelina, who is seeking reelection, has faced opposition from various groups who claim that the conditions for a fair and legitimate vote have not been met. The curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., just two hours before the polls open. The police have labeled the burning of the polling stations as an act of sabotage and have warned of arrests to prevent any further threats to the election process.Ten candidates, including political rivals Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, have decided to boycott the election, citing flaws in the electoral process. Protests have been organized against the government since September, but security forces have responded with violence, resulting in injuries and arrests. The opposition, along with some churches and civil society organizations, have called for a postponement of the election.
Opposition groups have raised concerns about Rajoelina's dual citizenship and his allegedly biased allies in the national electoral commission and High Constitutional Court. Despite these challenges, Rajoelina remains confident and asserts that he will not be denied victory. Madagascar, a country heavily reliant on foreign aid, continues to face economic challenges, poverty, and environmental issues such as deforestation.
Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 after a military-led coup and served as president in a transitional government until 2014. He returned to office in 2018 after winning a runoff election against Marc Ravalomanana.