2024-02-17 06:52:40
“The amount of the contribution of each candidate or list of candidates, per electoral constituency, as security and participation in the costs of printing ballot papers for the legislative elections is set at twenty million (20 million) ariary, at pay to the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations”. This is what the related decree taken in government council on Tuesday February 13, which sets the date of the legislative elections for May 29, indicated.
If the timetable is consistent with the proposal made a few days ago by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the amount of the deposit is twice as high as that proposed by this body responsible for organizing the elections. A provision which has already caused a lot of reaction on social networks since it promises to be exorbitant for all citizens who wish to participate in the political life of the nation by running in the legislative elections.
As during the presidential election where the amount was 200 million ariary, this sum of 20 million ariary is considered as a criterion for excluding “small candidates”. This can also be seen as a sort of exclusion of opposition candidates or independent candidates who do not necessarily benefit from significant financial support from a party or partner.
Once again, the increase in this deposit confirms that the elections are ultimately a big money affair in Madagascar, which nevertheless remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Politics then became the prerogative of the rich, minority, who monopolize a large part of the national wealth. The reaction of civil society organizations which have already expressed themselves on the excessively high amount of the deposit for the presidential election is eagerly awaited.
In accordance with the provisions of the law in force, it is the government council which sets the electoral calendar and the amount of the bond, following the proposals made by the CENI. Thus, the government of Prime Minister Christian Ntsay has decided to call voters to the polls on Wednesday, May 29 from 6 a.m. in order to elect the deputies of the National Assembly. This day is then declared non-working and paid.
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