Madagascar: Opposition calls for government resignation May 4 /update 4

Event

On Thursday, May 3, the High Constitutional Court ruled that three recently ratified election laws were unconstitutional following weeks of protests. Following the court’s decision, Madagascar’s political opposition called for the government to resign on Friday, May 4. Opposition supporters claimed that the laws were enacted in April in an effort to stop opposition politician Marc Ravalomanana from running for office later this year.

Context

On April 3, pro-government members of parliament (MPs) passed three controversial electoral bills in a vote boycotted by opposition MPs. The laws were approved on April 12 by the senate, following which opposition supporters protested in front of the High Constitutional Court, calling for the reforms to be annulled.

Protests were launched by opposition activists in mid-April to denounce the controversial electoral laws and demand the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. During one opposition march, police fired teargas at demonstrators and two people later died from their injuries.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.