A turning point – deaf men?s dialogue between leaders and former allies

It is difficult to tell, these days, who, among the former Ravalomanana Support Committee members, is a friend, and who is a foe. Indeed, many are those who, without openly admitting it, currently act more like foes than friends. The opening of the campaign for the partial parliamentary elections, ordered by the Supreme Court when it was determined that there were some irregularities, is a living testimony to the situation. In the Maintirano congressional district, the former Ravalomanana Support Committee members and those of the presidential party (TIM) are forced by circumstances to consider themselves natural political adversaries.

Feeling jilted by the new leadership, RPSD candidate Eugene Voninahitsy, a former Ravalomanana ally, has rallied the entire contingent of frustrated members to form a united front opposing the TIM candidate within his congressional district. Meanwhile, the TIM party is going all out to keep such a trouble-making partner – who is also proving to be a formidable adversary – out of the National Assembly. Sources close to the presidency indicate the potential installation of a local radio station in Maintirano, one of the four congressional districts where parliamentary elections will be reheld. Communication is among the primary issues on which the TIM party and its former allies seem to disagree.

Last but not least, during the official swearing in ceremony of Fianarantsoa?s new governor, Prime Minister Jacques Sylla has implicitly aimed criticisms at Mr. Pety Rakotoniaina, and another former ally. The out going chief of province?s response, however, seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Such circumstances have created a growing rift between the former political allies.

Without necessarily admitting to it, Ravalomanana?s former allies, convinced that they have played a key role in his ultimate victory, are still awaiting for a payback. The only thing is, during a lengthy discussion with members of the Malagasy Diaspora, in France, President Ravalomanana simply stated that one should act “out of love” for Madagascar, and not out of self-interest. In other words, he does not owe them anything.