HVM, a presidential party lead by the president’s proxies

On May 29th 2014, the Hery Vaovao ho an’i Madagasikara celebrated both the Ascension Day and its formal conversion into a political party. The Carlton Hostel’s great hall teemed with the new structure’s supporters, allies and political friends. The new born political party made a pretty glamorous entry when inviting several private television channels to broadcast the most significant part of the large scale show. The HVM clearly confirms its leading position in having the say about the country’s political future, but not on its own.
He happens to be a reliable and long time friend to the President of the Republic. He would possibly be the most influential man in the government, even more influential than the prime minister. He is no other but the minister in charge of infrastructures, equipment and territory management. No wonder that Rivo Rakotovao tops by rights the presidential party even though his political achievements are yet to materialize.
The Man turned out a speech the Malagasy way, littered with politeness and endless style before getting overcome by emotion, shedding some tears, and leaving the scene in the cherishing arms of Henry Rabary Njaka, the party’ secretary general and the acting number one of the president’s cabinet. Lovely hug, friendly kiss, the scene proved in the end more funny than emotional, probably because of politicians unconvincingly slipping into actors’ shoes. The Malagasy audience is not used to such a performance.
The prime minister and his ministers members of the HVM
“A few months earlier, we had no knowledge of each other yet, But we were brought together by one man and by his convictions” spoke Rivo Rakotovao. The chairman of Hery Rajaonarimampianina’s party was adamant on the will to pledge openness, even towards former adversaries. “Madagascar needs all of its children” he added.
The Hery Vaovao ho an’i Madagasikara party longs for the establishment of a strong ruling power… as expected from the ruling power. Freedom, democracy, independence, unbiased justice, good governance, respect for human rights, national reconciliation, common interest and the fight against corruption also stands on its list all the way down the line. “We reject allegations according to which we would die for ruling in an undisputed way, in spite of our electoral victory” emphasized the party’s chairman.
Rivo Rakotovao shares the presidential party’s leadership with the rest of the circle of close friends dear to the President of the Republic. Although the HVM has no deputy at the parliament to rely on, its leading layer has several acting ministers in the cabinet. Paul Rabary, national education minister, provides the party’s secretary general  H. Rabary Njaka with assistance. Jean Ulrich Andriantiana, transports minister, previously an apprentice to Pierrot Rajaonarivelo, serves from now on also as the party’s treasurer number 2, and Jean Anicet Andriamosarisoa, acting sports minister, as advisor. Prime Minister Kolo Roger himself serves inside the party’s political bureau as advisor.
“Just as any other political party, the HVM is bound to run every incoming election in Madagascar. We will put candidate forth and seal alliances with other parties” said the party’s chairman, although the MAPAR parliamentarian group may not feel included into them. This group holds this creation of a proper party as another evidence of betrayal from a treacherous President of the Republic, and cannot wait to do battle maybe in this year’s October during the communal elections.