Madagascar leader meets EU Commission VP to discuss elections

Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the leader of Madagascar's Refondation, met with European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas in Brussels to discuss the country's upcoming electoral processes and political transition.

During the meeting, Kallas reaffirmed the European Union's readiness to support Madagascar regarding its elections. In response, Randrianirina specified that the nation primarily requires electoral expertise and financial assistance. He also detailed a political timeline previously submitted to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in February, emphasizing a national consultation process that moves from the local 'fokontany' level up to the national level.

The goal is to achieve electoral reforms and return to constitutional order by 2027. The proposed schedule includes a referendum or constitutional election between May and July 2027, followed by a presidential election before December of that year. While reforms to electoral governance and voter list updates are underway, the timeline faces potential challenges from delays in resolutions from Christian churches (FFKM), which are expected after May 2027.