Ahead of polls, Madagascar President, Rajoelina, resigns; Senate President turns down offer to stand in

ANTANANARIVO – Ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for November in Madagascar, its president, Andry Rajoelina has resigned in line with the country’s constitution.

Rajoelina’s resignation comes days after being confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation’s presidential elections.

African News Watch reports that upon confirmation of his election candidature, the president sent his letter of resignation to the court on Saturday, according to a statement released by the High Constitutional Court late on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the senate president, Herimanana Razafimahefa who is supposed to assume presidential powers in the event of a resignation by the head of state resigns has declined to take over, according to the court.

“For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires,” the court said referring to Razafimahefa.

The court ruled that the government as a whole, with the prime minister serving as its head, would now exercise presidential power.

Furthermore, on Saturday, the High Court of Madagascar released the official list of candidates for president.

Thirteen candidates including Rajoelina and two previous presidents, Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina were chosen out of the 28 candidates.

A two-round method is used to elect the president of Madagascar; if no candidate obtains a majority of the vote in the first round, a run-off election will be held.

The next presidential elections will be held on November 9, 2023, with a potential second round on December 20, if necessary.

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