Madagascar’s president Marc Ravalomanana has offered a referendum as a possible way out of a political standoff that is jeopardising the economy of the Indian Ocean island.
Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has urged Mr Ravalomanana to step down. He said yesterday he had the backing of the army in a crisis in which more than 135 people have been killed this year.
“We must follow democratic principles. If we have to, we will organise a referendum. We are not afraid to do so,” the president told some 5,000 cheering supporters outside his palace, in a speech relayed live by local Radio Mada.
He later said the people’s choice in a free election had to be defended. Mr Rajoelina accuses him of turning a blind eye to the high levels of poverty.
There has been no confirmation from the army to back up Mr Rajoelina’s assertion he is giving orders to troops.
“Of course it is me who is giving the army orders. I am in permanent contact with them,” Mr Rajoelina told Reuters by phone. “For now we are waiting for him to resign. If he doesn’t, then we have other options. I can’t say if that means a military intervention,” he added.
He expected important developments within the next day or two.
Madagascar’s army has remained traditionally neutral during various periods of political volatility since independence from France in 1960. Diplomats are urging it to stay that way.
Col Andre Ndriarijaona – who led a mutiny and ousted the army chief – said a plebiscite would take too long to put together.
“A referendum needs time to be organised and the country cannot afford to wait under such difficult circumstances,” he said. “Perhaps it offers a democratic solution, but my worry is the chaos in the meantime.”
One analyst said the president’s offer was “astute political move” that is designed to buy time.
“The president is backed into a corner and needs the crisis to dissipate,” said Edward George of the Economist Intelligence Unit. “He could delay the referendum for months and the situation might have changed, so I see it as a delaying tactic.”
Tiebile Drame, a UN mediator, said a solution would come only when all parties involved, including the army, reached a consensus.
“Of course the army should be at the negotiation table. We urge them to participate,” Mr Drame said. “At the end of this crisis, we will need a government of consensus that should go beyond Ravalomanana and Rajoelina.” – (Reuters)