Media Statement
20 August 2013
South Africa welcomes the decision of the Special Electoral Court (CES) of Madagascar
The Government of the Republic of South Africa acknowledges and welcomes the decision taken by the new Special Electoral Court (CES) of Madagascar on Saturday, 17 August 2013, in removing from the list of candidates for the presidential election, the personalities whose candidatures did not meet the electoral criteria as enshrined in the Malagasy Constitution and Electoral Code.
This decision comes at a crucial moment in Madagascar’s history, as the country prepares for the elections that would restore constitutional normalcy.
The move by the CES follows shortly on the interventions made by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, together with the African Union (AU), supported by the International Contact Group on Madagascar (ICG-M), which included the presentation of a seven-point plan to break the political impasse in Madagascar.
The South African Government calls on all stakeholders to respect the decision of the CES and allow for the implementation of the outstanding measures to ensure that favourable and conducive conditions are created for Madagascar to hold successful presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible.
The South African Government awaits the announcements by the concerned Mouvances to nominate new candidates to fill the positions of those who were deemed ineligible.
The South African Government commends the efforts by AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, and the SADC Mediator in the Malagasy crisis, former President Joaquim Chissano, as well as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Dr Aisha Abdullahi, for their extraordinary mediation efforts to usher in a new era for Madagascar within the spirit and framework of the Roadmap.
For more information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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