From Mahamasina to Antsonjobe, the geographical parameter of success for a rally

The Mahamasina stadium won’t be opened to the political demonstration planned by the anti-Rajoelina mobilities, on Saturday September 26th, 2009. The town hall has offered Antsonjombe for “free”, a geographical detail that could restrict the impact of the big political demonstration wanted by former president Albert Zafy. 

Olga Rasamimanana, CUA administration’s spokeswoman, has put three reasons forth to justify this refusal. First, the stadium has been booked by the Star corporation which is organizing corporative games for societies of the capital city. 

Then next, she has evoked the restoration work achieved on the Mahamasina stadium’s gymnasium which will welcome the women basketball African championship, both work and event being potentially jeopardized in case of political demonstration. The same fear is also applicable to the Special Delegation’s President’s office building, located right behind the stadium. 

Antananarivo city’s police chief, Edward Andrianjafinarivo played defence by turning down allegations of his commitment for or against the three mobilities’ attempt to join Mahamasina. In his response to the authorization demand, the state official has effectively granted an agreement to the holding of the event which happens to be a political demonstration aiming to explain the agreements signed in Maputo, and specified both date and time, namely from 09am to 17pm. He did, in no way, either granted or denied access to the Mahamasina stadium, whose management is the CUA’s duty  

The movement for the implementation of the Maputo agreements will be held responsible for security during and after the demonstration in Antsonjobe. This “coliseum” located in the district of Analamahitsy is large enough to welcome 40 000 people. However, its geographical situation doesn’t really guarantee success for a political demonstration. What about the place of democracy, that one which has been opened and closed by Andry Rajoelina? 

A concert at the occasion of a musical festival is being planned there. It would have been an asset for the political demonstration, had it taken place in Mahamasina. It would obviously not have been the case, if the event had been held in Antsonjobe. To make matters worse, a very popular singer has been compelled to perform on this Saturday instead of Sunday. Here, the personal motive has been evoked to justify the timetable change, but no political incentive in order to entertain the crowd and keep it in the center city. Allowing a demonstration in a wide but half empty area would be a victory for the authorities of this transition.