National Election Council – newly restructured

The National Election Council (NEC) members took the oath, swore to uphold the integrity of the elections, and went right to work.
They are scheduled to hold their first meeting in Antananarivo, the capital city, on October 29, 2002, to prepare for the pre-scheduled general elections of December 15, 2002.
The newly appointed members who took the oath of office on October 28 include :

• · Theodore Randrenjason, representing the President
• · Justin Radilofe, representing the Republic Mediator
• · Joelson Andrianasolo Rakotomalala, representing the minister of the interior
• · Hary Rakotoarivony, representing the Malagasy Bar Association
• · James Ramarosaona, representing the media
• · Beatrice Attala, representing the Prime Minister
• · Philippe Randrianjanahary, representing the Appellate Court prosecutor

In an nutshell, their mission is to ensure
that the various elections take place without a hitch.

This time, the NEC promises to do better.
The members have not escaped the sharp media and public criticisms during Malagasy elections of recent years.
Given the limited means the NEC members had at their disposition, the latest election crisis was yet another source of contention the NEC and the public opinion.
Among other things, the NEC is accused of not doing a very good job with maintaining the integrity of the election; not hesitating to conspire with the former leadership
who appointed the members to guarantee that they would remain in power.
The new NEC members are intent on changing their modus operandi.
The entity currently has provincial representation, something it never had up to now.
This is how the members hope to stop meddling in provincial dealings.
Additionally, the NEC has the authority to lodge a complaint if it notices any irregularity at the polling areas.

The new structure of the NEC will be put to the test during the upcoming general elections.
The campaign will start in one month.
Given that the candidacy submissions have already started, the NEC members can already start to publish reports.
Pre-campaign periods have never failed to yield events which could be of interest.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana