Night curfew ahead of Madagascar's elections: summary

A riot police officer detains a supporter of the opposition parties during a protest ahead of the forthcoming first round of Madagascar's presidential election in Antananarivo, Madagascar November 11, 2023. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

Source: X80002

What we know

Madagascar announced a night-time curfew on Wednesday, November 15 on the eve of the first round of elections
This follows more than six weeks of violent protests by supporters of the opposition
The 12 opposition candidates going against Andry Rajoelina have pulled out of the race, encouraging their supporters to also boycott the elections on November 16.
Madagascar's four biggest Christian churches have announced that they would not observe the vote alleging that the elections lacked lawful standards.
President Andry Rajoelina is willing to go through with the elections.

What they said

Police Prefect Angelo Ravelonarivo said, "We must strengthen the security of the election to prevent things from happening." Marc Ravalomanana, one of two former presidents who joined calls for a boycott said, "If this election is not postponed, Madagascar will experience a major crisis because the population will reject the results".

Believe Domor