SADC should take a proactive stance on elections in Madagascar

This research paper argues that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must maintain proactive leadership and crisis management during Madagascar's transition to democratic governance following the October 2013 presidential elections.

• The presidential elections held on 25 October 2013 were described as free, fair, and credible by the SADC Electoral Observer Mission, the African Union, the European Union Observer Mission, and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Out of 20,001 polling stations, the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Transition validated 18,000 votes, which is 80% of the total.
• Despite the initial election results, political instability remains a risk in Madagascar. A second round of presidential elections and parliamentary elections were expected on 20 December 2013, likely featuring proxy candidates Robinson Jean Louis (supported by Marc Ravolomana) and Hery Rajaonarimampianina (supported by Andry Rajoelina).
• Madagascar faces severe economic challenges alongside political ones, with 90% of the population living on less than $2 per day, contributing to a fragile and aid-dependent economy.
• The author proposes four specific proactive steps for SADC to ensure a smooth transition: 1) President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia should prioritize dialogue with Roadmap signatories; 2) The Troika and President Joyce Banda should ensure the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Transition respects the Malagasy Electoral Code; 3) The Troika and mediator Joaquim Chissano should insist on full implementation of SADC, AU, and ICG-M agreements; and 4) SADC should convene the International Contact Group on Madagascar (ICG-M) to remove obstacles to the December 2013 elections.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2013). SADC should take a proactive stance on elections in Madagascar. https://saiia.org.za/research/sadc-should-take-a-proactive-stance-on-elections-in-madagascar/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. SADC should take a proactive stance on elections in Madagascar. 2013. https://saiia.org.za/research/sadc-should-take-a-proactive-stance-on-elections-in-madagascar/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=SADC should take a proactive stance on elections in Madagascar |date=8 November 2013 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/sadc-should-take-a-proactive-stance-on-elections-in-madagascar/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2013sadc, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{SADC should take a proactive stance on elections in Madagascar}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2013}, month = nov, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/sadc-should-take-a-proactive-stance-on-elections-in-madagascar/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }