In a latest development from the island nation of Madagascar, an attempt to protest by the opposition was forcefully curtailed on Monday, culminating in the temporary arrest of presidential candidate, Jean Jacques Ratsietison. This incident further escalates the political tension in the country as it braces for its impending presidential election, due for its first round on 16 November, according to police reports.
Over the weekend, the mounting political unrest became evident when law enforcement officers, deploying tear gas, thwarted an opposition demonstration in the capital city, Antananarivo. Undeterred, a small fleet of opponents endeavoured to converge once more at the iconic Place du 13-Mai, in defiance of the declared ban from the prefecture.
Law enforcement officers swiftly responded by sealing off the city centre, as observed by an AFP correspondent. Subsequently, the economist and six-year presidential candidate Jean Jacques Ratsietison, who is also the founder of an association advocating for the purchasing power of the Malagasy people, was taken into custody around late morning, as confirmed by a group of journalists present at the location.
Though Mr. Ratsietison was released later in the day, he addressed the public through a national television broadcast, dismissing the charges labelled against him – violence and attempted coup – as being completely disproportionate to his actions.
Madagascar has been experiencing a tumultuous period, with a raging electoral battle between the present government and a group of candidates vying to take over the reins from the existing President, Andry Rajoelina. This group of contenders have formed an alliance, with each one individually competing for the Presidential position side- by-side.
The coalition, which has been vocal in rallying people to stage protests over the past month, has accused Rajoelina of orchestrating an ‘institutional coup d’état,’ and manipulating the electoral process ahead of the upcoming elections. They are now adamant on ensuring a ‘free and fair’ election takes place.
In a media briefing held on Monday, representatives from the police, gendarmerie, and army general staff announced their commitment to safeguard all thirteen presidential candidates and their respective families, sans any preferential treatment.
A spokesperson confirmed they have been alerted to potential threats against specific candidates but clarified this protection is not extended to political assembly or public demonstrations.
Roland Ratsiraka, a contender from the alliance, expressed his shock and disdain at the arrest of Mr. Ratsietison, stating it did not serve as a solution to the prevailing issues. He revealed that the collective had lodged a complaint against the prefect’s decree to ban protests at the Place du 13-Mai. He voiced his concern that the prefect was not upholding the law as expected.
A defiant Auguste Paraina, another candidate for the Presidential post, denounced the ‘dictatorship’ that resulted in his fellow candidate’s arrest ‘right in the middle of the street.’ In an interview with AFP, he resolved, “we’re not going to stop, we’re not afraid!” This sentiment resonates with the defiance of the opposition, setting the tone for the political climate as the country approaches the all-important elections.
