Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Madagascar Leader Wonât Contest in Election

   Peter Clottey 12 May 2010

   Madagascarâs  President, Andry Rajoelina, surprised many by announcing
   on  state  television  that  he  will  not participate in the upcoming
   presidential  elections  he  has  scheduled  for  26  November, said a
   political analyst in the capital, Antananarivo.

   Guilo Ramilison said President Rajoelinaâs announcement is a relief to
   most  Malagasys  who  want a quick resolution to the ongoing political
   crisis.

AFP Photo

   Madagascar leader Andre Rajoelina

   âIt  is  like  a  big  relief  to Malagasy citizens now⦠because that
   transitional period has been lengthened and it is becoming more than a
   trouble  to  us. Because the international community, which (includes)
   most of the donors, only said that, if (Mr.) Rajoelina, the president,
   keep  on taking on decision only from his part, then there would be no
   solution for Madagascar,â he said.

   In  his televised speech, Mr. Rajoelina said there would be a national
   convention   from  27^th  to  29^th  May,  aimed  at  drafting  a  new
   constitution ahead of the elections.

   But,  opponents  say  Mr.  Rajoelinaâs  decision  not  to  contest the
   November elections is calculated to ease international pressure on him
   to resolve the ongoing political stalemate.

   Ramilison said Mr. Rajoelina might not win the elections if he changes
   his mind to contest in the elections.

   âIf  he  contests,  then  he  will  only  get  just  above one percent
   becauseâ¦he  said⦠ during the presidential announcement, that a real
   president  is the one who sticks to his idealsâ¦I am the president and
   I  want  to  show to everyone that I am responsible. So, if he changes
   his  mind,  (just)  like what happened to one of his mentorsâ¦in 1996,
   when  he  was the prime ministerâ¦and he won only three percent. So, I
   donât think (Mr.) Rajoelina will make the same mistake,â he said.

   Former President Marc Ravalomanana

   Several  peace  talks, including President Rajoelina, former President
   Marc  Ravalomanana,  as well as all other political parties, that were
   mediated by the African Union, have failed to yield positive results.

   The  African  Union  imposed  sanctions  on  Madagascar  following the
   political crisis that analysts say keep deteriorating.

.