A chapter is closed while questions remain

During the 75th anniversary of Lakroa (The Cross), a weekly catholic publication, it came as no surprise that Prime Minister Jacques Sylla would not want to talk politics to reporters. He has one or two one or two good reasons for not do so. Given that the general election results, which largely favor the presidential coalition, would logically, and unavoidably lead to a restructuration, questions are awaiting, and within a few days, specific answers will follow.

First, will Mr. Jacques Sylla, who was (unofficially) elected for the congressional district of Sainte Marie, remain at his current post, as Prime Minister or will he, instead, be slated as the heir apparent to the presidency of the National Assembly? This is a good question, given that a few ministers, who have won in the parliamentary elections, seem to lean toward taking their seat in the National Assembly, instead of remaining within an administration which is susceptible to change as events unfold. Second, who, in this scenario, are likely to be part of the new administration, as a prime minister, as ministers, or secretaries of state? And last, but not least, what kind of government structure will the reshuffle yield, at a time when the majority of the population clearly favors a lighter burden? It is a known fact that the current administration has some 32 members.

The Supreme Court is expected to publish the official results of the general elections as early as the end of this week, or the beginning of the week of January 13, 2002. Upcoming events heavily hinge on the publication of these official results. Sources within the presidency have mentioned Friday, January 10, the date of the ceremonial exchange of good wishes for cabinet members assigned to the president. Undoubtedly, President Ravalomanana would wish that the official results be known before this ceremony. Given the present framework, this would allow him to be more explicit, as to his intentions for Madagascar?s future. Although it is not certain that the electoral judge could beat this deadline, it is not necessarily out of the question either. Many politicians already see the outcome as a foregone conclusion.

Thus, January will be a decisive month. The crucial point of no return will be the nomination of the new government. It would be surprising if President Ravalomanana maintains the current team in its entirety. This team, as we know, was formed in the context of national reconciliation, following the crisis.