Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has declared his intention to run for re-election in November, despite facing a campaign to disqualify him from the presidential race.
In June of this year, leaked documents revealed that Mr. Rajoelina, along with his wife and children, had obtained French citizenship in 2014. Since this revelation, some Malagasy leaders and citizens have raised concerns about his transparency and loyalty to Madagascar, a former French colony that gained independence in 1960.
Critics argue that Madagascar’s laws do not permit dual citizenship, and individuals who acquire foreign citizenship automatically forfeit their Malagasy citizenship, rendering them ineligible to run for the presidency.
However, Mr. Rajoelina, who won the election in late 2018, disputes this interpretation, asserting that the constitution does not explicitly prohibit individuals with dual citizenship from seeking the presidency.
The upcoming elections, scheduled for November 9 on the Indian Ocean island, will feature over 20 candidates vying for the presidency.