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CGTN Africa
Published in: GENERAL

Madagascar Live Blog

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On the 25th of October 2013 the people of Madagascar will vote for a new government after 4 years of political instability.

Follow this blog for the latest on Madagascar’s elections and the hopes and fears of the Malagasy people for their country’s future.

Madagascar is a country with a great deal of potential. The 4th largest island in the world, it has plentiful mineral resources such as titanium, nickel and oil.

The isolation of the island from other continents has resulted in rare and unusual plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says that it has 5% of all of the world’s species. This natural heritage means that Madagascar is a potential tourist trap.

Unfortunately despite all its potential Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world with 90% of its 22 million population living on less than $2/day.This is in large part due to political uncertainty since a coup in 2009. The economy isn’t growing and government services such as healthcare and education have suffered.

Clementine Logan explains the impact this has had on some of the most vulnerable people on the island, children.

There have been food shortages on the island this year

Many are hoping that these elections will bring change for the better.

Celestine Karoney explains:

Others in Madagscar are not confident that elections with resolve anything.

Tahina lives in Madagascar’s capital Antanarivo and set up a photography blog to help people to learn more about his country. He called the blog “Madagascar not the movie” in reaction to the animated film because

I’ve noticed that the movie have eclipsed my Island either on the internet or on people’s mind. It’s a fact and I’d like to change that. A little survey on google made by a friend revealed that even the political turmoil in Madagascar has not had more influence on the“Madagascar” keyword trend than the movie. And we have almost the same thing on twitter.

Tahina isn’t hopeful that the 25th will bring about change.

 

22/10/ 2013

As Madagascar’s elections draw nearer, the mood on the ground is mixed over what the electorate can expect from the candidates.

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23/10/2013

7:30AM

Mandimby, a blogger from Madgascar is frustrated. He told us

In days last before the D-day of election, we have had more than 3 weeks of propaganda to know more about these 33 candidates, we should have lots of information, especially about their project to take the country out this situation. Unfortunately, we still don’t know anything.
Actually, they do not have any plan!

1:40PM

Today is the last day of campaigning ahead of the elections. Candidates are touring the country hoping to influence the results.

With less than 48 hours left for Madagascar to go to the polls following the unconstitutional removal from power of the elected president Marc Ravalomanana by mass protests led by the then mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina in early 2009, candidates in Madagascar are wrapping up their campaigns. More than 30 are in the running for Friday’s poll – and analysts predict a close contest.

Hear what Malagasy bloggers have to say about Madgascar’s political crisis, what it means for them and what, if anything they believe the elections will achieve for their country.

24/10/2013

2.20PM

Madagascar is counting down the hours to the country’s first elections since the 2009 coup. CCTV’s Cynara Vetch shares her views of the mood on the ground.

3:50PM

In less than 24 hours voters will be casting ballots for a new President. People in Madagascar hope for an end to a political crisis that has scared off investors and severely damaged the economy, but there is little optimism they will get their wish. The Friday elections are the first since a 2009 coup.

SADC observer urges all candidates to maintain peace during Madagascar’s polls


4:40PM

The campaign period has been smooth, but there are some concerns over the organization of the voting day itself. CCTV’s Beatrice Marshall talks to our reporter on the ground, Clementine Logan .

5:00PM

SADC Election observers are holding a press conference. Cynara Vetch is at the conference

25/10/2013

 

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Jean Louis Robinson arrives to cast his vote. Robinson says “I believe in the Malagasy people and I am confident I will win in the first round. I have plans but first we must deal with the social emergency in our country”

Robinson is the only candidate openly supported by ousted president Marc Ravalomanana. He has promised that he will install Ravalomanana’s wife as prime minister.

 

There have been reports of violence in Madagascar

https://twitter.com/AFPAfrica/status/393674702906195968

 

The biggest challenge for Madagascar’s next government is getting the island back on its feet. Madagascar is rich in natural resources. But it’s also one of the poorest places on the planet. CCTV’s Sun Lan has more.

 

A higher percentage of the Malagasy population is comprised of youths. For many, it’s the first time in their life to choose their leaders. CCTV’s Sun Lan, talked to a young mother in the capital Antananarivo, soon after casting her ballot.

26/10/2013

 

 

 

27/10/2013

28/10/2013

SADC says elections were free and fair.

Day two of vote counting; CCTV’s Clementine Logan explains.

 

30/10/2013

Vote counting still underway in Madagascar.

Vote counting is taking longer than expected with results due mid November. We will be covering up developments as they arise.

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