Madagascan Elections Workshop to Start

An election workshop conducted by Madagascar’s government is scheduled to begin today in preparation for general elections in March 20.

In the two-day national convention, the country’s 22 regions will be represented by 450 delegates. It is excepted to culminate in the establishment of a new National Independent Electoral Committee that will conduct the upcoming elections.

The government has called on all political parties to take part in the workshop. Last month the government also called on all citizens to participate in the elections.

The elections are expected to restore order after the country’s 35-year old President Andre Rajoelina chaotically ousted elected President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2008 by orchestrating a series of military-backed protests. At least 170 lives were lost during several weeks of street confrontations by supporters of the two leaders.

The international community has been reluctant to restore diplomatic ties or resume aid until constitutional order is restored in the country. [ER].