Mozambique Elections: CNE visits equipment provider's warehouses - Photos
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Joaquim Chissano is not unknown in Madagascar, having already intervened as mediator during the 2009 crisis there, and the former president of Mozambique is once again back in the country. Dispatched urgently by the SADC (Southern African Development Community), Chissano has been there since Sunday, the current political turmoil having been on the SADC Heads of State Troika Summit agenda.
The purpose of his mission is “to facilitate national dialogue, reduce political tensions and build consensus around the electoral process”, according to an SADC statement. The chairman of SADC’s political cooperation body will also support Joaquim Chissano in his mission.
The SADC had already condemned the loss of life during the 21 April protest, and, after the heads of state summit on Tuesday in Angola, invited the protagonists to work together to prevent the current political situation in Madagascar deteriorating further.
The latest SADC mission in Madagascar, led by Angolan minister Manuel Domingos Augusto had already noted a tense political situation, but spoke of a “simple pre-electoral dispute”, a normal thing in any democracy, he said.
But a pre-election dispute that has undoubtedly escalated, as opposition members demand the resignation of all state officials starting with the president, the head of the government and the speakers of the two Houses of Parliament.
The diplomatic corps in Madagascar started a rapprochement last Tuesday, meeting President Hery Rajaonarimampianina in Iavoloha and reportedly holding talks with Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana, both former presidents and leaders of the party to which the deputies currently leading the demonstrations belong.
Following this, a first meeting between the regime, represented by Senate President Rivo Rakotovao, and deputies’ representatives including Guy Rivo Randrianarisoa, Christine Razanamahasoa, Hanitra Razafimanantsoa and Irenée Djaosera took place at the office of the African Union yesterday evening – a meeting that would however never satisfy the opposition, firstly because it would be impossible for the president to resign and secondly for its introducing other political actors in the process of settling the dispute.
Members of the TIM party insist that Marc Ravalomanana be allowed to run in the next presidential election, which leads them to reject the electoral laws barring the former president from running.
MPs were yesterday pondering a total rejection of international mediation and said they would announce their decision today.
By Ny Aina Rahaga
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