President Andry Rajoelina
By PANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The International Contact Group on Madagascar (ICG-M) has welcomed the African Union (AU) decision to immediately lift targeted sanctions against 109 Malagasy political actors, including President Andry Rajoelina.
The Peace and Security Council of the AU took the decision at its 394th meeting last Thursday.
In March 2010, the AU imposed the sanctions to press for the restoration of constitutional order and comprehensive settlement of the crisis in the island nation off the southeast coast of Africa.
PANA reported Monday that at the conclusion of its eighth consultative meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Group said it also welcomed positive developments in the country.
Among these, the ICG-M noted the restructuring of the Special Electoral Court (CES); the removal of illegal candidates for the forthcoming presidential election; the publication of a final list of 33 candidates who meet the legal requirements to stand in the presidential election; and the adoption by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the Transition (CENI-T).
The first round of presidential election is scheduled to be held in Madagascar on 25 Oct. 2013, and a possible second round on 20 Dec. 2013, together with legislative elections.
Meanwhile, the ICG has acknowledged the crucial role of the President of the Transition, Rajoelina, and commended him for his commitment to re-launch the crisis exit process.
