Ankara: Madagascar's High Constitutional Court on Tuesday issued an unprecedented invitation to Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), to assume the role of head of state. This move follows the court's declaration of a vacant presidential office after CAPSAT elements, led by Randrianirina, took control of the Ambohitsorohitra presidential palace in the capital city.
According to Anadolu Agency, the court has mandated Randrianirina to organize elections within a 60-day timeframe as stipulated by the Constitution's Article 53, which necessitates a presidential election within 30 to 60 days following a vacancy declaration. The court justified its decision by stating that President Andry Rajoelina is unable to fulfill his presidential duties, citing his absence from the country as a "passive abandonment of power."
Earlier in the day, the military announced that the presidency would be held collectively by its officers during the transition period. This transitional phase is expected to last two years and includes plans for a referendum to establish a new constitution. As part of these sweeping changes, five governmental institutions, including the High Constitutional Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission, have been suspended, while the National Assembly remains operational.
The political situation escalated after President Rajoelina dissolved parliament amidst weeks of anti-government protests, predominantly led by the youth, aimed at addressing severe water and electricity shortages and allegations of corruption. Despite the dissolution, parliament convened to pass a motion to impeach Rajoelina.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Peter Mutharika, chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security, urged for calm, adherence to the rule of law, and constructive dialogue. Mutharika, who also serves as Malawi's president, emphasized the SADC's readiness to collaborate with national and regional authorities to restore order and institutional normalcy in Madagascar.
The political unrest was further complicated by reports that President Rajoelina had been evacuated to France under a security arrangement with French President Emmanuel Macron, following an alleged assassination attempt. Rajoelina has been purportedly sheltering in a "safe space" since the incident, which has intensified calls for his resignation from protestors.