The Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic began consultations with political actors yesterday on electoral governance. The discussions will continue until September 8. Rivo Rakotovao explains the distinction between consultation and political dialogue.
Consultation, not political dialogue. The nuance was clarified by Rivo Rakotovao, president of the party "Hery vaovao ho an'i Madagasikara" (HVM), regarding the political meeting initiated by the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic. A meeting that started yesterday at the State Palace of Iavoloha, until September 8.
Unprecedented, the meeting announced via the presidential institution's communiqué, published Saturday, did not feature an official opening ceremony. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Head of State, got straight to business. The parties within the former Firaisankina platform, including HVM, were among the first to be received by the senior officer yesterday at the State Palace of Iavoloha.
"This is a consultation and not a political dialogue. Which means there will be no resolution," explains Rivo Rakotovao. In terms of format, the consulted parties presented their proposals and recommendations for improving electoral governance ahead of the end-of-Transition elections.
Prioritization
Upon his return from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit on August 18, the occupant of Iavoloha indicated that the goal is to accelerate the march toward elections. "(...) The objective is that we can all agree and have a common view to move quickly toward elections, without prolonging the current situation indefinitely. It is in this sense that I support the CENI [Independent National Electoral Commission] in this political consultation process," declared Colonel Michaël Randrianirina.
Affirming HVM's position on the matter, Rivo Rakotovao insists on prioritizing "a overhaul of the institutional and legal governance of elections before launching a new electoral process." This option could, however, compromise the Refoundation's timeline, which aims to organize a referendum or constitutional election and the presidential election before the end of 2027.
The HVM leader acknowledges this possibility. Nevertheless, according to him, an extension of the transitional period "can be done provided the decision stems from consensus among all actors, as well as for the various stages to be completed." For Rivo Rakotovao, one must not confuse speed with haste. At the risk of repeating the same mistakes that led to the political crises of recent years.
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson