Madagascar Introduces New Campaign Rules, Bans Distribution of Materials

The government of Madagascar has announced new regulations for election campaigns, aiming to promote fairness and transparency. According to sources, the new rules were agreed upon during a meeting at the Ivato CCI, where stakeholders discussed preparations for upcoming elections. One of the key decisions is to ban the distribution of materials during campaigns, a move seen as an effort to reduce tensions and promote a level playing field.

The new regulations also clarify the role of civil societies in election campaigns. According to the rules, civil societies will not be allowed to participate in campaigns, in line with international standards. However, government employees will be allowed to participate, but not senior officials or those appointed by the government. The regulations also aim to strengthen penalties for those who use state resources for campaign purposes.

Another significant change is the removal of limits on campaign spending for presidential elections. This means that candidates can now spend unlimited amounts on their campaigns. However, the use of voter cards will still be required, and Malagasy citizens living abroad will be allowed to vote, but only from outside the country.

The new regulations have been welcomed by some, who see them as a step towards creating a more level playing field. The Prime Minister, Rajaonarison Mamitiana, stated that the government is committed to implementing the agreed-upon rules and ensuring that they are respected. He emphasized that the goal is to create a strong and just republic.

The introduction of new campaign rules is part of a broader effort to reform the electoral system in Madagascar. The government has announced plans to review and update the constitution, which will be put to a vote before a new electoral framework is established. This move is seen as an effort to address concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

The new regulations have been agreed upon by stakeholders, but some concerns have been raised about their implementation. According to Rakotondratafika, a source close to the negotiations, the government has committed to ensuring that the rules are enforced. However, some have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse and the need for further reforms.

The changes to the electoral system are seen as a positive step towards promoting democracy and fairness in Madagascar. The government has emphasized its commitment to creating a just and equal society, and the new campaign rules are seen as an important part of this effort. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the effectiveness of the new regulations will be closely watched.

Key points

• The new campaign rules ban the distribution of materials during election campaigns.
• Civil societies are not allowed to participate in election campaigns.
• There are no limits on campaign spending for presidential elections.