Churches occupy a special place in Malagasy society. Their influence, as well as the electoral potential represented by their congregations, make them coveted partners for political actors.
A constant pattern. Churches have always been at the center of political ambitions in the country. Their social and cultural influence, their presence even in the most remote localities, and their capacity to unite a significant number of faithful make them particularly sought-after interlocutors. For political leaders, they represent both moral legitimacy and a potential channel to reach a large portion of the population.
The decision to entrust the Ecumenical Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar (FFKM) with leading national consultations illustrates this. The four main Christian denominations united within the FFKM enjoy quasi-institutional legitimacy. In a context of political refoundation, their involvement also gives the process a moral and consensual dimension that authorities seek to preserve.
This proximity, however, extends beyond spirituality. For political actors across the spectrum, courting churches also responds to a logic of influence. They likely believe that gaining the sympathy of religious leaders can improve their image among the faithful. There are electoral stakes, but also an objective to strengthen goodwill capital within the population. Current holders of power follow this rule as well.
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of state, Mamitiana Rajaonarison, Prime Minister, and Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, president of the National Assembly, among others, have multiplied their appearances at religious events recently. Several government members and parliamentarians accompany them most of the time. They participate in services of both FFKM denominations and those of so-called "junior churches," a politically correct term for other Christian movements.
The stakes are particularly high because some of these communities designated as "junior churches" have strong mobilization capacity. The relationship between preachers and their faithful can be particularly close.
State Secularism
Hence the idea, present in certain political circles, that a voting or political directive from a religious figure could influence the electoral behavior of their followers. A hypothesis that makes certain religious leaders highly courted individuals.
On Saturday, August 8, the head of state and the president of the National Assembly attended a service at the "Apokalipsy" Church at Barea Stadium, Mahamasina, before a considerable crowd. In his remarks, Michaël Randrianirina notably emphasized his Christian faith and his membership in the "Mpiandry" order of the Lutheran confession, these lay people engaged in service to the faith. On this occasion, the resident of Iavoloha presented an envelope of 40 million ariary to the church.
A week later, last Saturday, the president of the National Assembly attended a service at the "Vahao ny Oloko" Church at Coliseum Antsonjombe, where he also made a donation. On Sunday, the Prime Minister was present at a religious gathering in Manolotrony. Elisa Randrianirina, First Lady, has also engaged in this dynamic. Through her Fanjiry foundation, she provided food and monetary donations to the association of Lutheran women, gathered in Toliara during the weekend.
The head of state and Prime Minister do not miss opportunities to wear their "Mpiandry" robes during public services. This strategy of gaining the goodwill of churches and their faithful is not new. Previous state administrations have also multiplied gestures toward religious organizations. In most cases, these actions are presented as acts of devotion or marks of support for faith, social action, or charitable works.
To a certain extent, given that religion retains considerable influence in the country's social life, proximity to churches appears to constitute a political investment. This proximity between political actors, especially state officials, and religion often sparks debates about the scope of state secularism prescribed by the Constitution.
"The State affirms its neutrality with regard to different religions. The secularism of the Republic rests on the principle of separation between state affairs and religious institutions and their representatives. The State and religious institutions maintain..."