Andry Rajoelina
Encyclopedia
Andry Nirina Rajoelina born May 30 1974, is the former mayor of Antananarivo
who became transitional head of state of Madagascar on March 21, 2009 after the 2009 Malagasy political crisis.
Rajoelina is the youngest head of government in Africa and the second youngest in the world, surpassed only by Prime Minister of Montenegro
Igor Lukšić
, who is two years his junior.
, he soon gained prominence after establishing his own radio station, Viva Radio, and a successful advertising company. He earned the nickname TGV after the French high-speed train, which he later continued to use as the name of his political movement.
), Rajoelina decided to run for mayor of Antananarivo
, the national capital. He faced Hery Rafalimanana, presidential candidate and previous mayor of the city. .
Rajoelina was elected mayor on 12 December 2007 with 63.3% of the vote. He inherited a city heavily indebted. For example, on 4 January 2008, shortly after his election, the state-run company Jirama cut off water and electricity to the city, citing bad debts as the reason.
was "likely to disturb peace and security". The program was also broadcasted by other television channels. Reporters Without Borders
(RSF) condemned the 17 December 2008 closure of Viva and of other television and radio stations.
Beginning in late January 2009, Rajoelina lead a series of political rallies in downtown Antananarivo where he gave voice to the frustration that Ravalomanana's policies had triggered among many Malagasy. At the first of these on January 26, attended by tens of thousands, Rajoelina criticized the effectiveness of Ravalomanana's poverty reduction strategies and accused him of autocratic behavior.
On 31 January 2009, Rajoelina announced that he was in charge of the entire Malagasy Republic, declaring at a rally, "Since the president and the government have not assumed their responsibilities, I therefore proclaim that I will run all national affairs as of today." He added that a request for President Ravalomanana to formally resign would shortly be filed with the Parliament of Madagascar
. On February 3, Ravalomanana dismissed Rajoelina as Mayor and a special delegation, headed by Guy Randrianarisoa, was appointed. Rajoelina denounced the decision, saying that there was "no valid reason" and that he was prepared to face arrest if necessary; he warned that the city would not accept the decision.
Tensions between Rajoelina and Ravelomanana continued to mount in early February. At a rally on 4 February before a crowd of about 1,500 people, Rajoelina described the appointment of Randrianarisoa as "an insult to the people of Madagascar." He instead designated Michele Ratsivalaka to succeed him as mayor and gave her his mayoral scarf.
which he had created in the weeks before Ravalomanana's resignation, is expected to serve as head of state until the scheduled 2011 elections. He was 35 years of age when sworn in, making Rajoelina the youngest president in the country's history. The constitution
in effect at the time of his presidency required that presidential candidates attain a minimum of 40 years of age. Rajoelina announced that there would be a new constitution and elections held within 24 months.
On 15 March, two days before Ravalomanana's resignation, Rajoelina announced after Sunday service at the main Antananarivo Roman Catholic cathedral that he would not mix religion with politics.
The Southern African Development Community
, a bloc of 15 nations including Madagascar, announced on 19 March that it would not recognize Rajoelina's presidency since the takeover was unconstitutional. His ascension to the presidency was also condemned at first by the European Union
and the United States
, and the African Union
suspended Madagascar and threatened sanctions if the constitutional government had not been restored in six months.
One of his first measures as President was to cancel a deal with Daewoo Logistics
which would have led a large percentage of the arable land in Madagascar to be leased to South Korea
for agricultural purposes. Opponents of the deal had described it as an act of neo-colonialism, while those in favor cited the tens of thousands of jobs it would have created. Announcing the decision, Rajoelina stated "We are not against the idea of working with investors, but if we want to sell or rent out land, we have to change the constitution, you have to consult the people." Rio Tinto
was among several firms to state that they did not expect the coup to have an effect on existing contracts in the country.
On Tuesday, August 4, Rajoelina met with the former exiled president of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana
, former exiled Madagascar president Didier Ratsiraka
and former president of the Malagasy Republic Albert Zafy
along with former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano
acting as mediator at the four-day mediation crisis talks held in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
showed voters approved the proposal
for the state's fourth Constitution
with 73% in favor and a voter turnout of 52.6%. The political opposition and the international community cited numerous irregularities in the process, which was carried out unilaterally by Rajoelina's High Transitional Authority
. The National Election Observation Committee (KMF-CNOE), an independent political watchdog group based in Madagascar, likewise stated that the conduct of the election was marred by numerous infractions of the national electoral code.
One change in the new constitution sought to keep the leader of the High Transitional Authority
(a position held by Rajoelina) as interim president until an election could take place. Analysts said this could allow Rajoelina to remain in power indefinitely.
The next presidential election is scheduled to be held in September 2011. Rajoelina has declared that he has no intention to run for president. However, an amendment in the new constitution will lower the presidential eligibility age from 40 years to 35 years, allowing the 36-year-old Rajoelina to stand should he choose.
The proposed constitution also contains a clause that requires presidential candidates to have lived in Madagascar for at least six months prior to the elections, effectively barring Ravalomanana and other opposition leaders living in exile from running in the election.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo , formerly Tananarive , is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. It is also known by its French colonial shorthand form Tana....
who became transitional head of state of Madagascar on March 21, 2009 after the 2009 Malagasy political crisis.
Rajoelina is the youngest head of government in Africa and the second youngest in the world, surpassed only by Prime Minister of Montenegro
Prime Minister of Montenegro
The Prime Minister of Montenegro , is the head of the Government of Montenegro. The role of the Prime Minister is to direct the work of the Government, and to submit to the Parliament the Government's Program, including a list of proposed ministers...
Igor Lukšić
Igor Lukšic
Igor Lukšić is the Prime Minister in the Government of Montenegro. His family roots trace back to Crmnica...
, who is two years his junior.
Early career
The son of a colonelColonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
, he soon gained prominence after establishing his own radio station, Viva Radio, and a successful advertising company. He earned the nickname TGV after the French high-speed train, which he later continued to use as the name of his political movement.
Political career
As the head of the TGV association, Tanora malaGasy Vonona (Young Malagasies DeterminedYoung Malagasies Determined
Young Malagasies Determined is a political movement in Madagascar. It is headed by the current provisional President, Andry Rajoelina, who organized it prior to the Antananarivo mayoral election in 2007....
), Rajoelina decided to run for mayor of Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Antananarivo , formerly Tananarive , is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. It is also known by its French colonial shorthand form Tana....
, the national capital. He faced Hery Rafalimanana, presidential candidate and previous mayor of the city. .
Rajoelina was elected mayor on 12 December 2007 with 63.3% of the vote. He inherited a city heavily indebted. For example, on 4 January 2008, shortly after his election, the state-run company Jirama cut off water and electricity to the city, citing bad debts as the reason.
2009 Malagasy political crisis
On 13 December 2008, the Government decided to close Rajoelina's Viva TV, stating that a Viva interview with former head of state Didier RatsirakaDidier Ratsiraka
Vice Admiral Didier Ratsiraka is a Malagasy politician who was President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and from 1997 to 2002.-Second Republic:...
was "likely to disturb peace and security". The program was also broadcasted by other television channels. Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders is a France-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press. It was founded in 1985, by Robert Ménard, Rony Brauman and the journalist Jean-Claude Guillebaud. Jean-François Julliard has served as Secretary General since 2008...
(RSF) condemned the 17 December 2008 closure of Viva and of other television and radio stations.
Beginning in late January 2009, Rajoelina lead a series of political rallies in downtown Antananarivo where he gave voice to the frustration that Ravalomanana's policies had triggered among many Malagasy. At the first of these on January 26, attended by tens of thousands, Rajoelina criticized the effectiveness of Ravalomanana's poverty reduction strategies and accused him of autocratic behavior.
On 31 January 2009, Rajoelina announced that he was in charge of the entire Malagasy Republic, declaring at a rally, "Since the president and the government have not assumed their responsibilities, I therefore proclaim that I will run all national affairs as of today." He added that a request for President Ravalomanana to formally resign would shortly be filed with the Parliament of Madagascar
Parliament of Madagascar
The Parliament of Madagascar has two chambers.*the National Assembly has 160 members, elected for a four year term in single-member and two-member constituencies...
. On February 3, Ravalomanana dismissed Rajoelina as Mayor and a special delegation, headed by Guy Randrianarisoa, was appointed. Rajoelina denounced the decision, saying that there was "no valid reason" and that he was prepared to face arrest if necessary; he warned that the city would not accept the decision.
Tensions between Rajoelina and Ravelomanana continued to mount in early February. At a rally on 4 February before a crowd of about 1,500 people, Rajoelina described the appointment of Randrianarisoa as "an insult to the people of Madagascar." He instead designated Michele Ratsivalaka to succeed him as mayor and gave her his mayoral scarf.
High Transitional Authority
Rajoelina was effectively handed the presidency on 18 March 2009, when military leaders transferred to him the executive power that had been given to the military by Ravalomanana. Rajoelina, as head of the High Transitional AuthorityHigh Transitional Authority
The High Transitional Authority is a provisional executive body that came to power in Madagascar following the coup that forced Marc Ravalomanana to leave the country on March 17, 2009 as a result of the 2009 Malagasy protests...
which he had created in the weeks before Ravalomanana's resignation, is expected to serve as head of state until the scheduled 2011 elections. He was 35 years of age when sworn in, making Rajoelina the youngest president in the country's history. The constitution
Constitution of Madagascar
The constitution of Madagascar was adopted on 19 August 1992 after the first free elections in 17 years of single party rule.On November 22, 2010, the electoral commission of Madagascar announced that a new constitution had been endorsed in a referendum by 74 percent of voters. It put voter turnout...
in effect at the time of his presidency required that presidential candidates attain a minimum of 40 years of age. Rajoelina announced that there would be a new constitution and elections held within 24 months.
On 15 March, two days before Ravalomanana's resignation, Rajoelina announced after Sunday service at the main Antananarivo Roman Catholic cathedral that he would not mix religion with politics.
The Southern African Development Community
Southern African Development Community
The Southern African Development Community is an inter-governmental organization headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. Its goal is to further socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 15 southern African states...
, a bloc of 15 nations including Madagascar, announced on 19 March that it would not recognize Rajoelina's presidency since the takeover was unconstitutional. His ascension to the presidency was also condemned at first by the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
suspended Madagascar and threatened sanctions if the constitutional government had not been restored in six months.
One of his first measures as President was to cancel a deal with Daewoo Logistics
Daewoo
Daewoo or the Daewoo Group was a major South Korean chaebol . It was founded on 22 March 1967 as Daewoo Industrial and was dismantled by the Korean government in 1999...
which would have led a large percentage of the arable land in Madagascar to be leased to South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
for agricultural purposes. Opponents of the deal had described it as an act of neo-colonialism, while those in favor cited the tens of thousands of jobs it would have created. Announcing the decision, Rajoelina stated "We are not against the idea of working with investors, but if we want to sell or rent out land, we have to change the constitution, you have to consult the people." Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto Group
The Rio Tinto Group is a diversified, British-Australian, multinational mining and resources group with headquarters in London and Melbourne. The company was founded in 1873, when a multinational consortium of investors purchased a mine complex on the Rio Tinto river, in Huelva, Spain from the...
was among several firms to state that they did not expect the coup to have an effect on existing contracts in the country.
On Tuesday, August 4, Rajoelina met with the former exiled president of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana
Marc Ravalomanana
Marc Ravalomanana is a Malagasy politician who was the President of Madagascar from 2002 to 2009. A member of the Merina ethnic group, Ravalomanana served as Mayor of Antananarivo before becoming President in 2002...
, former exiled Madagascar president Didier Ratsiraka
Didier Ratsiraka
Vice Admiral Didier Ratsiraka is a Malagasy politician who was President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and from 1997 to 2002.-Second Republic:...
and former president of the Malagasy Republic Albert Zafy
Albert Zafy
Albert Zafy is a Malagasy politician. He was the President of Madagascar from 27 March 1993 to 5 September 1996.-Early life and career:...
along with former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano
Joaquim Chissano
Joaquim Alberto Chissano served as the second President of Mozambique for nineteen years from 6 November 1986 until 2 February 2005. Since stepping down as president, Chissano has become an elder statesman and is called upon by international bodies, such as the United Nations, to be an envoy or...
acting as mediator at the four-day mediation crisis talks held in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
Constitutional referendum
After the inauguration Rajoelina scheduled a referendum over a new constitution which, after being pushed back repeatedly, was held on 17 November 2010. The official results released by the High Transitional AuthorityHigh Transitional Authority
The High Transitional Authority is a provisional executive body that came to power in Madagascar following the coup that forced Marc Ravalomanana to leave the country on March 17, 2009 as a result of the 2009 Malagasy protests...
showed voters approved the proposal
Malagasy constitutional referendum, 2010
A constitutional referendum was held in Madagascar on 17 November 2010, in which voters approved a proposal for the state's fourth Constitution. The Malagasy people were asked to answer "Yes" or "No" to the proposed new constitution, which was considered to help consolidate Andry Rajoelina's grip...
for the state's fourth Constitution
Constitution of Madagascar
The constitution of Madagascar was adopted on 19 August 1992 after the first free elections in 17 years of single party rule.On November 22, 2010, the electoral commission of Madagascar announced that a new constitution had been endorsed in a referendum by 74 percent of voters. It put voter turnout...
with 73% in favor and a voter turnout of 52.6%. The political opposition and the international community cited numerous irregularities in the process, which was carried out unilaterally by Rajoelina's High Transitional Authority
High Transitional Authority
The High Transitional Authority is a provisional executive body that came to power in Madagascar following the coup that forced Marc Ravalomanana to leave the country on March 17, 2009 as a result of the 2009 Malagasy protests...
. The National Election Observation Committee (KMF-CNOE), an independent political watchdog group based in Madagascar, likewise stated that the conduct of the election was marred by numerous infractions of the national electoral code.
One change in the new constitution sought to keep the leader of the High Transitional Authority
High Transitional Authority
The High Transitional Authority is a provisional executive body that came to power in Madagascar following the coup that forced Marc Ravalomanana to leave the country on March 17, 2009 as a result of the 2009 Malagasy protests...
(a position held by Rajoelina) as interim president until an election could take place. Analysts said this could allow Rajoelina to remain in power indefinitely.
The next presidential election is scheduled to be held in September 2011. Rajoelina has declared that he has no intention to run for president. However, an amendment in the new constitution will lower the presidential eligibility age from 40 years to 35 years, allowing the 36-year-old Rajoelina to stand should he choose.
The proposed constitution also contains a clause that requires presidential candidates to have lived in Madagascar for at least six months prior to the elections, effectively barring Ravalomanana and other opposition leaders living in exile from running in the election.