Madagascar is currently conducting presidential elections, despite an opposition boycott resulting from weeks of protests.
To avoid any unrest, a curfew was imposed overnight.
Political tensions have been high, with the opposition calling for the disqualification of the current president, Andry Rajoelina.
After six weeks of protests, which led to clashes between opposition supporters and the police, the police prefect in the capital, Antananarivo, declared the curfew due to “various acts of sabotage,” including the “burning of a polling station,” said Angelo Ravelonarivo.
Opposition leaders have expressed concerns of an “institutional coup” in support of Mr. Rajoelina, citing his acquisition of French nationality in 2014 as a reason for disqualification. Ten out of twelve opposition candidates have raised questions about the credibility of the elections, calling for a boycott.
Opposition supporters have adopted cauliflowers as a symbol of police oppression, a move backed by former President Marc Ravalomanana, who was seen holding one while urging the boycott.
A Red Cross worker reported intense daily situations in the capital, providing aid to 36 individuals due to numerous injuries.
According to the World Bank,, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries globally, with 75% of the population living below the national poverty line in 2022.
Rich in cobalt, gold, nickel, uranium, and other minerals, Madagascar has grappled with slow growth and pervasive poverty for decades.
The incoming leader faces the challenging task of addressing widespread poverty among other issues in a country with around 30 million people, of which only 11 million are registered to vote.
The incumbent, Mr. Rajoelina, who officially resigned in September to run for re-election, has refuted criticism from the opposition and expressed confidence in winning.
His government stated that the protests aimed to overthrow the government and sabotage the electoral process, while accusing the opposition of threatening the country’s stability.
The decision for the “collegial government” to replace Mr. Rajoelina was accepted by the Constitutional Court, but his dual French nationality has sparked widespread discontent toward his candidacy.
After becoming Africa’s youngest head of state in 2009, Mr. Rajoelina didn’t contest the 2013 election but was re-elected in 2018.
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