A new regulation concerning political demonstrations and political meetings on the national territory was announced yesterday by the Minister of the Interior and Decentralization, Justin Tokely. To limit the controversy around these political events on the eve of the presidential election, from November onwards, the member of the government announced on the national television channel that from now on, all political demonstrations and public meetings must be done indoors, pending the start of the electoral campaign.
« All political parties, whether with the regime or from the opposition, are concerned, without exception. “said Justin Tokely. Public meetings in the open air, or on public roads will be strictly prohibited. ” They must take place indoors. “, insists the Minister of the Interior, without providing any details on the case of closed private executives or even private domain.
This measure also applies to the deputies of Madagascar who, according to the law in force, do indeed have the right to carry out reports of their activities with the population. ” This must be done indoors. “, insists the minister. ” Whether they are deputies from the presidential majority or independent deputies or opposition deputies, the rules will remain the same. “, he specifies, while adding that all demonstrations must have the approval of the competent local authorities.
Are excluded from this new provision, the members of the executive who, according to the Minister, exercise their function for the implementation of the general policy of the State, and therefore work for the population. In other words, the President of the Republic, or even members of the government or even regional governors can organize political and public events in the open air or on public roads.
Although the Minister of the Interior and Decentralization explained that this measure was taken to give freedom to all political parties to express themselves and prepare for the elections, it will certainly only arouse criticism from the parties, in particular those of the opposition who, should see in this provision an indirect limitation of the fields of influence of the potential candidates for the next presidential election. Then, the authorization given to the executive to hold the meetings is obviously only an advantage given to the President of the Republic, who could apply for his own succession, during the next election, since many see in the process of ‘Andry Rajoelina an election campaign before the letter.