Madagascar Army Suspends Constitutional Bodies Except National Assembly
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and BBC, the commander of Madagascar’s army declared on Tuesday that the Senate, Supreme Constitutional Court, Electoral Commission, and other bodies would be suspended.
The special military unit commander, who has taken control in Madagascar, stated that all constitutional institutions will be suspended except for the National Assembly, which had earlier voted to impeach the president.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera quoted Reuters reporting that Madagascar’s Supreme Constitutional Court has called for elections to be held within 60 days following the military coup.
Previously, a senior army officer had announced that the military had seized control of the contry.
Agence France-Presse reported that a special army unit in Madagascar (CAPSAT) took power after parliament removed President Andry Rajoelina from office.
Anatolia News Agency added that President Andry Rajoelina dissolved parliament after weeks of youth protests over water and power shortages as well as corruption issues.
According to Madagascar’s opposition leader, a military source, and a foreign diplomat, President Rajoelina fled to an undisclosed location amid anti-government demonstrations.
Siteny Randrianasoloniako, opposition leader in Madagascar’s parliament told Reuters that after segments of the armed forces joined protesters’ ranks, Rajoelina left the country.
The protests began on September 25 due to frequent water and electricity outages. They quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations addressing economic hardship, rising living costs, poverty, and government corruption. Protesters demanded Rajoelina’s resignation.
