Politics

The administration practically moved heaven and earth to prove that it is possible to organize ?modern?, and ?democratic? elections in Madagascar. Thus, the ?super computer? where all of the results from each precinct will be compiled has already started to tabulate the ballots. Though it is still too early to tell, the tendency is toward a change in the make up of the National Assembly. Lire la suite »

The polls closed at 6 PM local time (3 PM GMT, and 10 AM New York time). Aside from the rain, the elections have taken place without any major incidents, so far. Lire la suite »

Madonline is closely monitoring the general elections for you. We will try to keep you informed on the latest developments, very regularly. Our correspondents have been fanned out to various key polling locations to be your eyes, and ears, and bring you the latest. We will have an article for you this evening. Starting at 8 pm GMT (3 pm New York time), you will have the latest election results straight from the National Center. Meanwhile, just sit back and relax! And if you have not already done so, please take a minute to become a member, and make a pledge. Madonline, your member-supported on-line news magazine, needs your help! Lire la suite »

Amnesty International just published a huge report on Human Rights in Madagascar. This report suggests or at least tries to establish that old habits die hard. While the only thing we can do is support the recommendations - given to the new leadership - to better respect international laws and standards, we cannot help but wonder at the timing of Amnesty International?s decision to publish this report, at this juncture, after many long years of silence. The timing of the publication becomes even more questionable since the members of the former regime seem quite willing to use it as a ?weapon? to discredit, even beforehand, the outcome of Sunday?s elections. Lire la suite »

The general election campaign is now in full swing. The AREMA party, with its signature red ballot, is back on the attack. The candidates have but a few days to convince the voters. Lire la suite »

The see-through ballot boxes reached the airport on Wednesday, and were officially turned over to government officials. The total cost of the this project is estimated to amount to $600,000. The Malagasy authorities promise aboveboard, and honest general elections. Lire la suite »

As the general election preparations progress, the opposition maintains its hard line stance. It ups the ante, and continues, come hell or high water, to support a boycott of the general elections, a move designed to paint the new leadership into a corner. Lire la suite »

The relatives of those who have been recently arrested, following the ?2002 events?, demand that they be freed. The AREMA party is using the current situation to advocate a postponement of the general elections. Meanwhile, the majority of the Malagasy population remains opposed to even the idea of impunity. Lire la suite »

Former president Didier Ratsiraka?s AREMA will be represented during the general elections, but the party, for the time being, is profoundly divided.. Lire la suite »

As the general elections draws near, the hard-driving Malagasy head of state is giving the world a taste of his management style, endlessly crisscrossing the Island during a flurry of presidential visits. Lire la suite »