Madagascar’s incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for November 9, 2023. This announcement comes amid a tense political environment, marked by debates about his eligibility due to his dual French-Malagasy nationality.
Last Wednesday, Andry Rajoelina chose social media to announce his decision to run in the 2023 Malagasy presidential election. On his official account, he expressed gratitude to the Malagasy people for the trust they have placed in him during his current term, which began in January 2018. “It is for the people to choose their President tomorrow. I am humbled by the task you have entrusted to me. I feel your love, and you know how mutual it is. On behalf of all of you who support me, I am ready, I am running again, to continue to serve you,” he declared.
President Rajoelina also took the opportunity to thank his family, including his wife Mialy, and his children for their constant support. He emphasized the responsibility that a leader has toward all Malagasy children, symbolizing his determination to serve his country.
However, this announcement is not without controversy. In June of this year, the revelation of Andry Rajoelina’s dual French-Malagasy nationality sparked heated debates about his eligibility as President. The Malagasy constitution requires presidential candidates to be exclusively Malagasy citizens. This issue could become a central point of the upcoming election campaign.
The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for November 9, 2023, followed by a potential runoff on December 20 if no candidate secures an absolute majority. To date, ten other candidates have already submitted their documents to the High Constitutional Court (HCC), demonstrating the diversity of political forces in the race. Among them are former presidents and representatives of various political parties, each hoping to be the choice of the Malagasy people to lead the country.
